"Environmental issues: Global warming and its consequences" - Professionals suggest Berlin requires enhanced heat defenses.
Experts suggest increased measures to safeguard against the effects of heat in Berlin as fatalities such as the 106 recorded in 2023 continue to rise. President of the Berlin Medical Association, Peter Bobbert, issued a dire warning on Friday about the impact of heat on lives. The likelihood of more "hot days" exacerbates the situation. To combat the increased risk of heat-related deaths, the Berlin Heat Protection Alliance, comprising the Medical Association and approximately 20 other organizations, aims to mitigate these threats. According to Bobbert, "Heat-related deaths are unnecessary."
Comprising of a summer-long campaign, the Alliance aims to inform the public about the dangers of heat waves through various platforms. 75,000 flyers offering heat coping strategies will be distributed in the coming weeks, while adverts are planned to be displayed on U- and S-Bahnen, based on the Health Administration's plans. The campaign is predicted to cost roughly 70,000 euros.
Vulnerable individuals like the homeless, often face significant discomfort during heat waves. Bobbert underscored the need for increased attention towards such demographic, adding that basic advice, such as hydration and shunning direct sunlight, is crucial.
Ina Czyborra, Health Senator (SPD), underlined the requirement for the population of Berlin to become more aware of the threats of hot days. "Our city must be better prepared for summer heat," she stated. With a growing understanding of the potential repercussions of climate change on health, Berlin Senate has committed to adopting a state-wide Heat Action Plan by 2025. Heat protection encompasses all Senate departments.
In addition to hospitals and nursing homes, individual heat protection plans are being developed for establishments like Berlin's pharmacies. Per Kleist, Deputy Representative of the Berlin State Fire Department, pointed out the increasing need for fire departments to prepare for a rise in extreme heat periods. Their burden during heat waves depends significantly on preventive measures' effectiveness.
Bobbert brought up the point that heat is not just an issue for patients and staff in health care facilities. Other establishments like doctors' offices, clinics, and pharmacies must also consider heat protection policies.
Martin Herrmann, Managing Director of the German Alliance for Climate Change and Health, stressed the importance of the general population becoming "heat-wise" and recognized the intertwined connection between heat protection and climate protection. The two cannot be separated.
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- Peter Bobbert, as the president of the Berlin Medical Association, emphasized the urgent need for heat protection measures due to the rising number of heat-related fatalities in Berlin.
- In response to the increasing number of hot days, the Berlin Heat Protection Alliance, led by Bobbert and other organizations, aims to mitigate the threats of heat-related deaths.
- To spread awareness about heat waves and their dangers, the Alliance is planning a summer-long campaign that will include distributing flyers and displaying ads on public transportation in Berlin.
- The German Alliance for Climate Change and Health, led by Martin Herrmann, emphasized the importance of the general population becoming "heat-wise," recognizing the interconnectedness between heat protection and climate protection.
- Per Kleist, the Deputy Representative of the Berlin State Fire Department, highlighted the growing need for fire departments to prepare for an increase in extreme heat periods, with their effectiveness in dealing with heat waves heavily depending on preventive measures.
- Recognizing the vulnerability of certain populations during heat waves, Bobbert emphasized the need for increased attention towards groups like the homeless, encouraging basic advice such as hydration and avoiding direct sunlight to combat heat-related issues.
