Heat wave hits: Suhl is planning drinking fountains to cool off!

Heat wave hits: Suhl is planning drinking fountains to cool off!

On August 13, 2025, the Greens in Suhl were available at the Diana fountain to inform citizens about current challenges and measures with regard to climate change. Under the motto “Cool for everyone – Green for everyone”, the state spokesman for the Green Party, Luis Schäfer, discussed the pressing heat stress and the progress of Suhl’s climate protection concept. This information event took place against the background of an ongoing heat wave in Europe, which is also severely affecting Germany and specifically Thuringia. The measures to adapt to rising temperatures are therefore more relevant than ever, as InSuedthueringen reports.

The need for extensive heat protection measures is becoming increasingly clear for many municipalities, including Suhl and Weimar. With a catalog of measures developed by the state government, cities have the opportunity to build public drinking fountains that not only help alleviate heat stress, but also promote a sustainable water supply for the public. In Weimar, a drinking fountain is currently being planned at the main train station and another at the Bauhaus Museum. These projects are scheduled to be implemented during the third quarter of 2025, while Suhl also wants to set up a mist shower at the train station to offer heat-stricken citizens a welcome cool down, as Zeit documents.

Funding for climate protection measures

The climate pact between Thuringia and its municipalities continues to be viewed as a valuable tool for financial support in climate protection. In 2023, around 44 million euros will be available for measures and investments. This sum follows the 50 million euros made available last year. Suhl also benefits from an amount of 500,000 euros from this package to support construction measures. The “Klimainvest” program has already funded 60 measures in the area of ​​heat protection, including the installation of sun sails and external blinds in schools and kindergartens. These projects not only improve the comfort of the students, but also contribute to general climate adaptation, as the Tagesschau reports.

Mayors and local decision-makers are asked to raise awareness of the increasing heat in their communities and take necessary measures. In smaller communities, like Ihringen, this is done through workshops and citizen participation to find tailor-made solutions in the area of ​​heat protection. These workshops promote exchange and understanding of the challenges posed by rising temperatures, enabling communities to be more active and responsive to such anomalies.

With their current campaign, the Greens in Suhl show how important it is to take proactive steps against heat stress. While the municipalities in Thuringia are facing new challenges, the support of the state government and corresponding funding programs remains an indispensable element in this process. Only together can we succeed in maintaining the quality of life in cities and communities even in times of extreme weather and in shaping a sustainable future.