Erfurt under the heat shield: What measures help against the embers?

Erfurt under the heat shield: What measures help against the embers?

The heat wave does not stop at Thuringia either. According to the current heat check of the German Environmental Aid (DUH), the state capital Erfurt is particularly affected. In a nationwide comparison, Erfurt cuts the worst with a heat-relevant index of 15.89, which also underlines the concern about the quality of life of the citizens: inside. The city is thus in midfield among 190 German cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants that were examined as part of this analysis. Some other cities in Thuringia, such as Gera and Weimar, also have high values, but are not as extremely affected as Erfurt. Gera comes to an index of 14.41, Weimar to 14.39 and Jena to 14.38.

Another alarming point is the average surface temperature in Erfurt, which was remarkable 35 degrees Celsius between 2021 and 2024. These values ​​are not only an indication of the increasing heat load, but also for the problem of city sealing. With almost 45 %, Erfurt is the leader in Thuringia, followed by Gera with 40 % and both Weimar and Jena, each with 37 % sealed areas. The heat-affair index is based on satellite data, population data from the census 2022 as well as official area statistics, which shows the dimensions of the urban heat damage in an impressive way, as thueringen24.de reported.

causes and measures

The increasing heat in cities is not a new phenomenon, but is increasingly considered as a result of climate change. Heat load has negative effects on the health and well -being of many people. It is estimated that there are more than 12 million citizens: exposed to extreme heat in German cities, which is a serious problem. The DUH therefore calls for legal minimum requirements for green spaces to reduce these loads. Every year, around 3,000 people die in Germany due to the consequences of extreme heat, an alarming sign of action. The German Environmental Aid has developed the Hitze-relatives index, which focuses on factors such as high temperatures, low green areas and dense sealing.

In order to meet the challenges of the heat, Thuringia's state government and municipalities have taken various measures. The climate pact of the state and municipalities was extended, and 27 million euros are available for climate protection investments. In addition, Erfurt has set up a "heat telephone" to provide support to those seeking help during hot days. The construction of more drinking fountains and the information about urban fountains are also part of the city's catalog of measures. Jena also has the self -image of building a support network for older people living alone during extreme summer heat to support this group that is particularly worthy of protect.

The way to the future

An important step towards a heat-like city will be the municipal heat action plan of Gera, whose completion is sought for the end of the year. This shows that the cities in Thuringia take the problem seriously and are ready to adapt to the increasing climate change. The challenges are great, but the exchange and common strategies could be crucial to reduce the negative effects of the heat in urban living space. The topic of cooling and tolerable living conditions are also at the top of the agenda, such as the current Nationale Urban Development Policy In view of this situation, we are all called to address the effects of climate change more actively and continuously to ensure a better living environment in our cities.