Klimawandel, Hitze und Gesundheit

Climate change, heat and health: Status of heat prevention in Germany and need for support of federal states and municipalities

While the federal government provides the framework for adaptation to the consequences of climate change, the implementation of concrete adaptation measures is usually in the hands of the municipalities. This also applies to the area of public health. The impairment of human health by the so-called heat island effect is particularly severe in cities. The past hot summers have shown that there is an enormous need for action in this area. An online survey of states, districts and municipalities conducted in May/June 2020 provides initial findings on how well municipalities in Germany are already prepared for extreme heat events and which measures are already being implemented.