Heat alert! 32% of Germans fear extreme heat waves

Heat alert! 32% of Germans fear extreme heat waves

A recent survey shows that 32% of the population in Germany are increasingly concerned about rising temperatures and the occurrence of heat waves. This result is based on a population-representative Forsa survey in which over 3,000 people took part. These results were published shortly before the nationwide heat action day on June 4th. As part of this day of action, the AOK plans to provide new information about heat and its effects in order to better protect the population.

The survey shows that over two thirds of respondents (66%) believe investment in improved heat protection in urban areas is necessary. Despite these worrying circumstances, only 29% of participants believe that current heat protection measures are sufficient. A significant proportion, namely 40%, consider the measures taken to be inadequate, while 9% consider these measures to be excessive. What is particularly striking is that almost 20% declare that the measures are “greatly exaggerated”, although this is rejected by 52% of those surveyed. AOK reports these notable results.

Heat action day and heat protection policy

The second nationwide heat action day will take place on June 5, 2024. The aim of this day of action is to anchor heat protection in all areas of life and to promote a heat-resilient society in Germany. An alliance of over 30 associations and institutions from the health sector is already working together to advance this initiative. In the long term, heat protection measures should be anchored in federal and state laws in order to meet the challenges of climate change.

The alliance is coordinated by a core team that includes, among others, the Workers' Welfare Association, the Federal Medical Association, the German Nursing Council and the German Alliance for Climate Change and Health (KLUG). The central event for the Heat Action Day 2024 will take place in Berlin, supplemented by far-reaching actions and events in other federal states that invite broad participation from the population.

Events and measures

The planned activities include kick-off events for regional heat protection alliances, specialist symposiums, workshops and further training measures for health and care professions. Press conferences and publicity campaigns are also planned to draw attention to the dangers of heat and to develop solutions. The initiative group calls on everyone interested to take part in order to work together on a heat action network. Registration for the central event is possible via the website of the German Medical Association: www.baek.de/wärmeaktionstag2024_anmelde.

A Zoom link is available to participate in the online event: bit.ly/3ypTSLf. This shows that the topic of heat protection is not only being discussed at a political level, but also in society. Those interested can find more information about the activities and campaigns on the official Heat Action Day website: climatechange-health.de.