Berlin Faces Heat Wave: BUND Proposes Urgent Heat Action Plan
Berlin Requires Heat Protection for Green Preservation
Berlin is bracing for a heat wave, with temperatures predicted to reach 36 degrees, according to weather reports. However, the city is currently without a heat action plan to protect its residents, as revealed by Senate figures. In response, the environmental association BUND Berlin has proposed a six-point plan for immediate heat protection and acute crisis management.
The BUND's plan emphasises the protection of all green open spaces from construction, as they play a crucial role in cooling the city and absorbing rainwater, benefiting plants and groundwater. Green spaces are also important for providing a cool respite for people during heat waves.
In addition to protecting green spaces, the BUND proposes outreach social work that reaches at-risk individuals in their homes and on the streets. They also suggest a comprehensive network of cooling centres, such as libraries, community centres, theatres, and exhibition halls, to provide relief for those unable to stay cool at home.
To ensure effective implementation of the heat action plan, the BUND advocates for a significant expansion of blue infrastructure like drinking fountains and misting systems. They also call for early warning and communication systems to target different population groups, such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.
The BUND CEO, Gabi Jung, states that five to ten euros per Berliner per year is "realistic and necessary" for an effective heat action plan. They also demand an increase in the previously allocated funds of 100,000 euros per district for immediate heat protection.
The delay in the development of the heat action plan has been a cause for concern for the BUND, as reduced nocturnal cooling, especially in Berlin's urban area, can lead to additional stress. The BUND finds this delay concerning, especially given the increasing number of heat-related deaths in recent years. In 2022, 425 deaths were likely due to heat, according to Senate figures, with 110 in 2023 and 52 last year.
As the heat wave approaches, the German Weather Service (DWD) predicts a strong heat burden in Berlin on Wednesday. The BUND suggests qualifying green spaces for the emergency plan and initiating immediate measures to protect vegetation. Simple, clear instructions on heat protection must be disseminated, and vulnerable groups must be better supported, according to the BUND.
References:
- Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland e.V.
- German Heat Action Plan
- Heat Waves in Germany
- Urban Heat Islands
- The BUND, in their proposed heat action plan, emphasizes the importance of protecting green open spaces to combat urban heat islands, as these spaces play a vital role in climate change mitigation and lowering temperatures.
- To promote health-and-wellness and combat heat-related health issues, BUND suggests establishing a comprehensive network of cooling centers and initiating outreach social work, focusing on at-risk individuals, to create safe havens during periods of extreme heat.
