Alliance of social and environmental organizations demands a heat summit from the federal government

In addition to the AWO Federal Association, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), environmental organizations, and other social associations are also taking part in the appeal. The climate movement Fridays for Future as well as politicians from the CDU are also joining the call. The spectrum of signatories thus ranges from welfare work to science and environmental protection and into the political party landscape.

Demands on the federal government

Specifically, the alliance is demanding the swift development and implementation of a national heat action plan, binding standards for cool rooms in care homes and hospitals, as well as more staff for outreach services for people experiencing homelessness. Warning systems are also to be expanded and heat tips disseminated in multiple languages. The aim is to reach precisely those people who have so far not been sufficiently informed.

Representatives of the alliance point out that extreme heat periods in Germany in recent years have demonstrably led to increased mortality. Without countermeasures, further deaths are to be expected this summer as well. The organizations see the federal government as having a duty to act in the short term and to coordinate cross-departmental cooperation.

Livestream and reporting

A central event is intended to draw attention: As MDR aktuell has announced, a discussion round on the topic will be broadcast on Wednesday at 3 p.m. as a livestream. There will also be extensive reporting via the dpa news channel. The alliance hopes that the public debate will increase the pressure on policymakers to adopt binding regulations before the next heatwave.

At the same time, the organizations point out that heat is not solely a summer issue: the consequences of climate change are prolonging the dangerous periods of the year and intensifying the strain in cities. Cities and municipalities must therefore be supported more strongly in expanding green spaces, drinking water facilities, and shaded public areas, the alliance demands.

Reactions and outlook

The federal government has so far not publicly commented on the specific demands. Observers interpret the broad support from social associations, science, and parts of the political sphere as a signal that the issue could move up the political agenda.

In the medium term, the alliance expects a national heat action plan modeled on those of other European countries, one that links prevention, early warning, and acute care in a binding manner. Until then, the initiators say, everything must be done to prevent further avoidable deaths during the current season.