Leipzig's hot challenge: Why the unsealing competition fails!

Leipzig's hot challenge: Why the unsealing competition fails!

Leipzig is the focus of the heat problem because, according to the second heat check by German Environmental Aid (DUH), the city is classified as the hottest city in Saxony. Over half of the population suffers severely from heat stress, a condition that is forcing the city administration to take action. The causes are clear: the dense development and the high degree of sealing of the areas play a decisive role. In order to meet this challenge, discussions on the Green Party's proposal for unsealing and greening took place in the council meeting on October 29th. Unfortunately, it turned out that the required financial resources of around 600,000 euros to start a competition to unseal cannot be raised in the current financial situation Leipzig newspaper reported.

Despite the challenges, the city of Leipzig is taking decisive action against the rising temperatures. A heat action plan, implemented by 2026, specifically targets vulnerable populations such as infants, young children, the elderly and the homeless. In addition to information campaigns warning of health risks in the heat, practical measures have also been taken. Five new drinking fountains have been installed, and awnings in daycare centers and schools are intended to keep people cool. This is also necessary because densely built-up cities like Leipzig are particularly affected by the health risks of climate change Leipziger Volkszeitung highlights.

Implementation and challenges

The city administration has complained that external specialists would be necessary to plan and carry out a competition for unsealing, but these are associated with high costs. In addition, the city urgently needs employees for the organization, which further complicates the realization of the competition. The SPD's proposal to build a canopy made of wild vine in the city center is currently being examined by the city. Concerns about escape routes, heritage protection and available placement also need to be considered. These measures are part of a broader climate adaptation program aimed at evaluating the long-term impacts of climate change and finding appropriate solutions, such as nature-based approaches to desealing and green roofs.

Another aspect of climate change that affects us all is the urgency to take not only local action, but also a global perspective. Climate change, as a man-made challenge, affects not only our city, but the entire planet. According to a variety of research, such as on Wikipedia As you can read, changes on Earth can result in both cooling and warming, with human emissions of greenhouse gases such as CO2 currently posing the greatest threat.

Finally, it is important to emphasize that Leipzig is already taking the first steps towards unsealing. New tree disks have been created, and residents have noticed that for each new tree planted, several square meters of pavement are removed. This step could not only make the city more livable for its residents, but also position it in competition with other cities such as Dresden as a pioneer in the area of ​​environmental and climate protection when it comes to unsealing. But without the necessary financial and human resources, implementing such fundamental initiatives will remain a major challenge.