- Leftists call for heat protection plan for Berlin
The Berlin Left is calling on the Senate to implement a heat protection plan to better protect the city's residents from the effects of heatwaves and high temperatures, like those experienced this week. "Especially the elderly, the sick, and those who have to work outdoors or are homeless suffer from these high temperatures," explained the Left's state chairman Maximilian Schirmer.
"It makes a difference whether one sits in an air-conditioned office or has to work outside in the blazing sun on a construction site. Heat affects everyone differently, and we must act now."
Call for improved early warning system
Specifically, the Left is calling for publicly accessible buildings like libraries, churches, or train stations to be designated as cooling zones. An improved early warning system is also necessary: Public warnings about heatwaves and extreme weather conditions could be issued in U-Bahns, kindergartens, doctor's practices, hospitals, care facilities, and citizen's offices, for example.
At every construction planning stage, money should be budgeted for water dispensers, but also for more drinking fountains and shaded bus stops, according to Schirmer. He also called for a "renovation and new construction plan" for public swimming pools. "Not all Berliners can escape the heat by going to their own country house or jumping into a private pool."
Senate aims to adopt heat action plan by 2025
Recently, the Greens and organizations like the Medical Chamber and several initiatives have also called for more efforts in heat protection. The black-red Berlin Senate agreed in mid-May to develop a statewide heat action plan. An interdepartmental working group will be responsible for the contents, with the Senate aiming to adopt the plan by 2025.
"The Senate is dodging the issue and kicking the can down the road," said Left state leader Schirmer. "To keep Berlin livable in the coming years, heat protection must be put on the political agenda now. Our proposals are on the table."
The extreme weather conditions during heatwaves can greatly impact individuals who work outdoors or are homeless, making it essential to seek refuge in cooler environments like public libraries or train stations. The Senate's heat action plan, aimed to be implemented by 2025, will significantly enhance the city's weather resilience and protect its residents from the harsh effects of high temperatures.
