Heat alarm for Erfurt: Is the city helplessly delivered to climate change?

Heat alarm for Erfurt: Is the city helplessly delivered to climate change?

Erfurt is on the pulse of the heat wave: The current heat check of the German environmental aid has taken a close look at the Thuringian state capital. The city receives a yellow card, which means that it is in the middle of 190 cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants. Interestingly, Erfurt has the highest value in Thuringia, followed by Gera (14.41), Weimar (14.39) and Jena (14,38). The average temperature in Erfurt was between 2021 and 2024 at a remarkable 35 degrees Celsius, which is by no means gratifying. This shows that the challenges that climate change brings with it should also not be underestimated in the region, as thueringen24.de

The analysis is based on a newly introduced "heat-floating fluid index", which takes high temperatures, dense sealing and inadequate green areas into account. Of the 190 cities, 31 received a red card due to high heat load, while 131 cities were classified with a yellow card in the middle area. Only 28 cities performed with a green card, which indicates a low heat load, as can be read on the website of German Environmental Aid

heat warnings and health risks

The rising temperatures in Germany are not a new phenomenon. Since the 1980s, the number of hot days and tropical nights has increased significantly. Older people and people with chronic diseases suffer from extreme conditions are particularly affected. Over 12 million people in German cities have been identified that currently suffer from extreme heat, so the Environmental Bundesamt .

worldwide, the climate crisis challenges to develop new measures. In Thuringia, the country and the municipalities have already discussed the dangers of heat and react with specific measures. 27 million euros were made available for climate protection, part of an extension plan for the climate pact. Erfurt, for example, has launched a "heat phone" and plans to install additional drinking wells to support the population during extreme heat periods.

practical measures in the municipalities

It is not an easy time for many municipalities. Jena has been particularly committed and supports older people living alone to make the hot days more bearable. Gera is also currently developing a municipal heat action plan that is due to come into force by the end of the year. These initiatives are necessary to keep a cool head and offer the citizens a better quality of life in the hot months.

The challenges of the heat are complex, but with the right commitment and well -thought -out measures, the respective effects can be countered proactively. The heat index and the active steps of the municipalities are part of this urgently needed strategy. It remains to be seen how the situation develops and what other measures are taken to get the heat under control.