Bavaria's cities are fighting against heat stress: where is the protection?

Bavaria's cities are fighting against heat stress: where is the protection?

The summer heat is becoming more and more of a challenge for our cities. A current study by German Environmental Aid (DUH) shows that the heat stress in Franconian cities is only in the average range. Aschaffenburg, Nuremberg and Fürth are the frontrunners in Bavaria when it comes to high levels of heat. The effects on the population were analyzed in a total of eleven Franconian cities. Unfortunately, the team found that no municipalities were ranked in the best heat impact index category.

In the category of heavily polluted cities are Bamberg, Augsburg, Schweinfurt and Neu-Ulm. The situation looks somewhat better for Munich; the metropolis ranks in the middle category. Bavaria's Health and Prevention Minister Judith Gerlach took the results as an opportunity to warn about the risks of high temperatures. Groups particularly at risk include older people, people with previous illnesses, infants and pregnant women. Symptoms such as dizziness, circulatory problems and cramps can occur in prolonged heat.

Precaution and prevention

How can communities protect themselves? According to a report from the Federal Environment Agency, the need for action is abundantly clear: “Heat action plans” (HAP) are worthwhile measures to better prepare the population for heat-related challenges. These plans are particularly useful because the frequency and intensity of heat waves has increased significantly since the 1970s. Extreme summers like those of 2003, 2018, 2019 and 2022 could become more common in the coming years, according to forecasts from the European Environment Agency.

After the hot summer of 2003, the WHO recommended the creation of such plans to help older people and women in particular to reduce the risk of death. Current data shows that 58% of local administrations are already aware of recommendations for heat action plans. However, so far only four municipalities have implemented concrete heat measures.

Resources and collaboration

As will be explained in more detail when it comes to heat action plans, states and municipalities are responsible for implementing these measures themselves. Federal Environment Agency However, points out that success depends heavily on the distribution of responsibilities and the acquisition of resources. A so-called “heat action plan” usually includes new urban design concepts, measures for more urban greenery or information campaigns.

In addition, the reports emphasize the importance of installing more public drinking water fountains and creating “cool places” so that citizens can find a place to retreat even in hot weather. Structured prevention in nursing homes, daycare centers and other support services can also make a valuable contribution. The Free State provides information materials and cooperation between municipalities should be strengthened in order to develop individually tailored plans.

The challenges are clearly defined: In order to address climate change and the increasing heat in cities, innovative thinking, active action and, above all, comprehensive cooperation between the federal states and the municipalities are required. This is the only way we can get through the coming hot summers safely.