Erfurt in the heat alarm: Highest index in Thuringia demands measures!

Erfurt in the heat alarm: Highest index in Thuringia demands measures!

The heat wave in Germany has also recorded the cities of Thuringia. Erfurt is particularly in the spotlight, since the city was classified in the recently published heat-check of the German Environmental Aid (DUH) as the most affected by heat load. As reports Thueringen24, Erfurt has a Hitze-affair index of 15.89, which represents the most unfavorable value in Thuringia. For comparison: Gera follows with 14.41 and Weimar and Jena and Jena are just below with values of 14.39 and 14.38. The average surface temperatures in Erfurt amounted to a considerable 35 degrees Celsius between 2021 and 2024.

But what does that mean specifically for the residents? A simple number only suggests part of the truth. According to the DUH, more than 12 million people in German cities are exposed to extreme heat loads. In addition to temperatures, the heat index also takes into account factors such as dense seals and too few green areas-especially in urban environments, a real permanent topic. Particularly alarming is the fact that 31 cities have received a red card for high heat load, while 131 cities were still classified yellow and only 28 get away with green.

measures for heat detection

In order to counteract the increasing temperatures, the Thuringian cities have already launched several measures. A "heat phone" was launched in Erfurt to offer people in great warmth. In addition, more drinking fountains are to be installed and information about urban fountains is to be provided. As part of the Climate Pact, the state government has released 27 million euros for climate protection investments and addresses the dangers through heat in the municipalities.

There is also special attention to the widespread sealing of the areas. Erfurt has the highest seal with almost 45 %, while cities like Gera (40 %) and Weimar and Jena (37 %) are also affected. Deutsche Environmental Aid therefore calls for legal minimum requirements for green spaces to significantly reduce the heat load.

life on the heat wave

The creeping danger of the heat not only affects the quality of life, but also has a direct impact on the health of the residents. Every year, around 3,000 people in Germany die from the consequences of extreme heat. This illustrates the urgency with which measures to adapt to the climate crisis must finally be taken. Heat protection is increasingly recognized as a necessary challenge, which is also concerned with making cities of heat-like, such as the platform for [National Urban Development Policy] (https://www.nationale-stadt developments policy.de/nspweb/de/themen/hitzeinderstadt/hitze-in-stadt_node) illustrates.

The city of Jena also forged plans to support the only older people living alone in extreme heat. Gera follows a municipal heat action plan in parallel. By the end of the year, a nationwide heat action plan is to be built, which formulates clear strategies to combat the heat load.

Overall, the current heat check shows that in the combination of urban development and climate issues there is a considerable potential for sustainable solutions. The time to act is now - because summer has just started and the heat waves could still be at the door.