BERLIN – Germany is preparing to launch a raft of new protective measures against the extreme heatwaves expected this summer, reported German news agency (dpa).
German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said on Monday there were thousands of heat-related deaths every year, noting that it was not only the elderly who were at risk, but also pregnant women, the chronically ill and the homeless.
“This is not an acceptable situation,” he said, adding that lives could be saved if the country were to have a heat protection plan along the lines of that in France.
Lauterbach is to hold consultations this week with representatives of the care industry, medical professionals and other experts.
He said plans included warnings before the onset of heatwaves, using radio, television and cell phone notifications.
A new online portal has already been launched, through which municipalities can inform people about what they can do to protect themselves from extreme temperature events.
The portal broadcasts heat warnings, precautions that can be taken, and city maps with “cool places”.
Environment Minister Steffi Lemke said it was clear that the consequences of the climate crisis have arrived in Germany and Europe.
“Therefore, it is necessary that we take care of the protection of the population in changing climate times,” she said.
Drinking water supplies and more greenery and shade to keep cities cool would also become more important, she said, adding that regulations have already been put in place to ensure that municipalities build more drinking water dispensers.
According to the German Climate Change and Health Alliance, the German Medical Association and German Nursing Council, a total of 4,500 people died due to heat in 2022. In 2018, there were as many as 8,700 heat-related deaths in Germany. – Bernama
