Heat - Greens demand information about heat protection plans
The Greens in the Bavarian state parliament are demanding comprehensive information from the state government about the status of heat action planning in Bavaria. They want to know how municipalities can prepare themselves and their citizens for the fact that the number of heat days is predicted to continue increasing in the coming years, according to many forecasts. And they are already lamenting: Most municipalities still don't have heat action plans.
"This summer will again be really hot. But just like with the flooding, the southern government is keeping quiet until it's too late," said Greens parliamentary group leader Katharina Schulze. "We want to shake them up and scream in their ears: Prevention is possible." At least every commune should have a heat action plan in implementation as soon as possible. "The state government should take care of this, it must create incentives." Ultimately, it's about protecting the health of citizens.
Heat action plans should show how health effects from extreme heat can be informed about in a timely manner, how people can be effectively warned, and how long-term heat stress in cities and communities can be reduced, for example with shade-giving green spaces and parks, water surfaces, large shade areas or through new plantings or the preservation of trees.
The Greens are calling for more prevention
"The fact that most municipalities in Bavaria still don't have a heat action plan poses a high risk for future heatwaves," said Patrick Friedl, spokesman for the Green parliamentary group for nature protection and climate adaptation. "We demand clarity from the state government on where we stand today in heat preparedness."
For municipalities, it is essential that they can develop concepts to adapt to the worsening climate situation. "Because it's getting hotter in Bavaria too, that's unstoppable," said Friedl. It's important to act preventively: to ensure sufficient fresh air channels, cooling green spaces and adequate warning and protection measures.
The demand of the Greens for a comprehensive report from the state government was on the agenda of the Environment Committee in the Landtag for Thursday morning.
- The Greens in the Bavarian state parliament are advocating for a Heat Protection Plan, seeking comprehensive information from the state government about its status and implementation in municipalities across Bayern.
- Katharina Schulze, the Green parliamentary group leader, has criticized the state government for its inaction on heat action planning, comparing it to their response during the recent floods.
- Patrick Friedl, spokesman for the Green parliamentary group for nature protection and climate adaptation, emphasizes the high risk posed by the fact that most municipalities in Bavaria lack a heat action plan, and demands clarity from the state government on their preparedness.
- According to Friedl, it's crucial for municipalities to be able to develop concepts for adapting to the worsening climate situation, including ensuring sufficient fresh air channels, cooling green spaces, and adequate warning and protection measures.
- The demand for a comprehensive report from the state government on heat action planning is set to be discussed in the Environment Committee of the Bavarian State Parliament.
