- Progressive advocates propose heat mitigation strategies in Saxony
The Saxon Left Party stresses the necessity of proactive measures during prolonged heat waves. As party leader Susanne Schaper put it, "Heat safety is a growing health policy problem each year." With extreme weather on the rise, an increasing number of people and animals face serious health issues due to high temperatures.
Despite heat being a risk factor for heart attacks, Saxony trails behind other states in terms of protective measures. Schaper highlights, "Overhauling this situation is a crucial task for the next legislative period that should not be overlooked once summer ends, particularly for the elderly who need more help shielding themselves from heat."
The Left Party sees Saxony requiring a comprehensive, cross-sectoral heat protection strategy. While the German Health Ministers' Conference advocated for creating and implementing heat action plans nationwide in 2020, no such action has taken place in Saxony since then.
To tackle this, the Left Party proposes eight specific measures. Initially, they call for a cross-departmental plan to mitigate heat-related health issues. Though the German Health Ministers' Conference urged the creation and execution of such plans in 2020, Saxony has yet to respond.
The proposed Saxony heat action plan necessitates measures for adaptation and prevention, and should ensure communication and coordination between state and civil society institutions.
In addition, Saxony requires a standalone early warning system for heatwaves reaching all residents. Customized alerts could be targeted at especially vulnerable individuals. Techniques such as sending informational mailings to hospitals, nursing homes, kindergartens, and schools, broadcasting messages on electronic screens in public facilities, transit stations, and vehicles, or directly warning phones via cell broadcast could be employed.
The Left Party champions increased awareness and information campaigns like Berlin's 'Bear Heat.' For nursing and care homes, they propose an immediate program to retrofit buildings to be heat-resistant. "Air conditioning, shading, and solar panels are particularly beneficial, ideally integrated," explains the Left Party. Certain population groups, including the elderly, infants, young children, and outdoor workers, require special attention.
Moreover, the Left Party advocates for governments supporting cities and municipalities in developing communal protection plans. Dresden serves as a fine example. Unbureaucratic funding initiatives should also help cities establish public drinking water fountains, cooling rooms, sprinkler, and misting systems. The final aspect of the plan pertains to preserving public baths.
The Left Party proposes implementing this comprehensive heat protection strategy not only in Saxony but also across The Netherlands, given that extreme weather is a global concern. Furthermore, to foster international cooperation, The Netherlands could learn from Saxony's proposed early warning system for heatwaves and potential adaptation measures.
