Heat alarm for Erfurt: Highest index in Thuringia at number 71!

Heat alarm for Erfurt: Highest index in Thuringia at number 71!

Heat waves have been a hotly debated topic in recent years, and not without reason. According to the heat check by German Environmental Aid (DUH), which analyzed over 190 cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants, it shows that urban areas are particularly badly affected. This emerges from various studies that show a worrying increase in extremely hot days in Germany. Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia, is not exempt, as thueringen24.de reports. Here the city received a yellow rating in the heat impact index with a value of 15.89, which means that Erfurt ranks in the middle of this analysis.

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

The dangers of heat and legal measures

In this context, the DUH is calling for minimum legal requirements for green spaces in order to reduce heat stress in urban areas. Every year around 3,000 people die in Germany due to extreme heat. In view of these alarming figures, the nationwide efforts to develop heat action plans are even more important. Thuringia's state government and municipalities have already taken steps to address this challenge. The climate pact between the state and municipalities was extended, and 27 million euros are available for climate protection investments, as duh.de explains.

To address the heat problem, municipalities have taken various measures. Erfurt, for example, has set up a so-called “heat telephone” to provide quick information and is planning 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, is working on a municipal heat action plan, while a nationwide plan is expected by the end of the year.

The development of heat action plans

With regard to the long-term strategy and implementation of heat action plans, a survey shows that 58% of local 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 had actually implemented such plans. However, about 50% of respondents were in the planning or design phase. The need for more intensive exchange between the federal, state and local governments is essential in order to improve knowledge and strategies. In addition, health protection before and during heat periods is required to be legally anchored as a mandatory municipal task.

In summary, heat stress is a serious problem in cities like Erfurt and beyond. Sharing information and developing effective heat action plans are critical to protecting the health of citizens. A future review of the strategies and their implementation could show how well we can deal with the climate challenge that affects us all. You can find out more about this on the [Umweltbundesamt] website (https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/wärmeaktionsplaene-status-quo-sperren).