Heat alarm for Erfurt: Highest index in Thuringia in 71th place!

Heat alarm for Erfurt: Highest index in Thuringia in 71th place!

Erfurt, Deutschland - heat waves have been a hotly discussed topic in recent years, and not without reason. According to the Heat Check of the German Environmental Aid (DUH), which analyzed over 190 cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants, it can be seen that urban metropolitan areas in particular are badly affected. This is evident from various studies that show a questionable increase in extreme heat days in Germany. So Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia, is also not except, as thueringeningen24.de reports. Here the city received a yellow assessment in the heat flow index with a value of 15.89, which means that Erfurt ranks in the midfield of this analysis.

Compared to other cities in Thuringia, Erfurt has the highest heat-friendly index, with Gera (14.41), Weimar (14.39) and Jena (14.38) also recording high values. These numbers reflect the average surface temperatures of 35 degrees Celsius between 2021 and 2024. The seal of the city, which is almost 45 % in Erfurt, is a central factor that increases the temperatures. Gera follows 40 %, while Jena and Weimar are 37 %. All of this data was evaluated using satellite navigation and official statistics, which underlines the urgency and relevance of the topic again.

The dangers of the heat and legal measures

The DUH calls for legal minimum requirements for green spaces in this context to reduce the heat load in urban areas. Around 3,000 people die in Germany every year due to extreme heat. In view of these alarming numbers, the nationwide efforts by heat action plans are all the more important. Thuringia's state government and the municipalities have already taken steps to counter this challenge. The climate pact between the country and the municipalities was extended, and 27 million euros are available for climate protection investments, as duh.de explained.

In order to address the heat problem, the municipalities have taken various measures. Erfurt, for example, has set up a so -called "heat phone" to provide quick information and plans to install additional drinking fountains. In Jena, the focus is on supporting older people living alone during extreme heat waves. Gera, on the other hand, works on a municipal heat action plan, while a nationwide plan is expected by the end of the year.

The development of heat action plans

In relation to the long -term strategy and implementation of heat action plans, a survey shows that 58 % of municipal administrations in Germany are informed about recommended action steps on the topic. However, at the time of the survey in spring 2020, only four municipalities actually put such plans into practice. However, about 50 % of the respondents were in the planning or design phase. The need for more intensive exchange between the federal, state and municipalities is essential to improve knowledge and strategies. In addition, a legal anchoring of health protection is required before and during heat periods as a municipal task.