Urgent: Summer Heatwave Poses Health Risks; Cities Must Adapt
As summer officially begins this weekend, temperatures are expected to soar well above 30 degrees Celsius in many regions. This heatwave poses significant health risks, especially for older adults, those with chronic illnesses, and people with disabilities. Babies and small children are also particularly vulnerable.
General Tips to Beat the Heat
To stay safe during the heatwave, it’s crucial to follow some general tips:
- Drink plenty of water
- Keep your apartment cool
- Stay in the shade
- Avoid strenuous activities
- Eat lightly
- Be mindful of yourself and others
For more detailed advice, visit the Climate human health platform, which offers separate information for the elderly, parents, and people with chronic illnesses.
Urban Development Can Reduce Heat
In addition to individual behaviors, architectural and urban planning measures are essential to adapt to rising temperatures. According to the German Environmental Aid (DUH), sealed surfaces like streets, parking lots, and roofs prevent water from seeping away and evaporating, which cools the air. In contrast, trees, parks, and water areas help to evaporate moisture and provide shade, lowering temperatures significantly.
Cities Need to Act Now
The DUH recently examined how well 190 cities are prepared for rising temperatures, considering population density and the impact of concrete versus green spaces. The resulting “heat-stress index” categorizes cities into three groups: red for above average, yellow for average, and green for below average.
The findings are alarming: 31 cities received a red card (including Frankfurt am Main and Magdeburg), 131 received a yellow card (such as Cologne, Berlin, and Munich), and only 28 received a green card (such as Hamburg). Southern cities like Mannheim, Ludwigshafen, and Worms face the worst heat stress, with 88 to 91 percent of their populations living in heavily burdened areas. Northern cities like Flensburg, Wilhelmshaven, and Kiel fare better, with cooler temperatures. The best-rated cities include Hattingen, Gummersbach, and Witten in North Rhine-Westphalia, which have abundant green spaces and less sealed areas.
SOVD Calls for New Architectural Approaches
The SOVD has called for new architectural approaches to combat urban heat. Michaela Engelmeier, CEO of SOVD, emphasized the need for more shaded areas, drinking water fountains, and green spaces in city centers. She also stressed the importance of building materials that absorb solar radiation instead of reflecting it, stating, “Concrete, glass, and steel are literally dangerous for our cities.”
Stay Informed and Take Action
As the heatwave continues, it’s crucial to stay informed and take necessary precautions. Follow the advice from health experts and urban planners to protect yourself and your community. Visit archyde.com for the latest updates and evergreen information on how to stay safe and healthy during extreme weather conditions.
