Erfurt under pressure: Highest heat stress in Thuringia!

Erfurt under pressure: Highest heat stress in Thuringia!

The summer heat is also causing more and more problems in our cities: As the current Thüringen24 reports, the German Environmental Aid has published an alarming analysis of the heat load in German cities as part of its heat check. In Erfurt in particular, the issue was taken seriously and was given a yellow card for medium heat stress. Compared to 190 cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants, Erfurt is not alone, as the heat impact index shows a worrying situation for the entire Thuringia region.

With an index value of 15.89, Erfurt has the highest heat impact index in Thuringia. If you compare the numbers, Gera with a value of 14.41, Weimar at 14.39 and Jena with 14.38 are also in the heat statistics. These cities will record an average temperature value of around 34 degrees Celsius between 2021 and 2024, highlighting the need for climate adaptation measures. The frontrunners in Thuringia suffer from a high level of surface sealing, which in Erfurt is almost 45 percent.

Green spaces and heat action plans

According to the study, over 12 million people in German cities are affected by extreme heat stress. In addition to the temperature, the heat impact index also takes into account the dense sealing and the lack of green spaces. While 31 cities received a red card for high heat stress, 131 cities including Erfurt received a yellow card. Only 28 cities can look forward to a green card, which indicates lower heat pollution, as the German Environmental Aid also reports in its analysis (Deutsche Umwelthilfe).

To meet this challenge, the municipalities in Thuringia have launched a climate pact, which was recently expanded to include 27 million euros for climate protection investments. Some measures are already underway: a “heat telephone” will be set up for Erfurt to offer citizens support, and the city is planning to set up additional drinking fountains. Jena places a particular focus on supporting older people, who often live alone and are particularly at risk in the heat. Gera, on the other hand, is working on a comprehensive municipal heat action plan.

The way forward

There is great fear for the health of the population because around 3,000 people in Germany die every year as a result of extreme heat. The state government and municipalities are called upon to stop this trend. A statewide heat action plan is expected to be ready by the end of the year to provide clearer guidelines and assistance to affected cities.

The heat is not just a temporary phenomenon, it is now a permanent problem that affects all areas of life. The approach published by Statista on the heat stress in German cities shows that the need for sustainable solutions is greater than ever. Only by acting together can we alleviate the consequences for our cities and their residents.