Social and municipal associations demand constitutional amendment for better heat protection

Demands of the associations in detail

The social association VdK Deutschland warned of the health risks that heat periods entail, especially for older people, the chronically ill, and relatives in need of care. Given recurring extreme values in summer, the state must fulfill a binding duty of protection, the appeal stated.

The demand for a heat summit and a constitutional amendment comes at a time when the Bundestag and Bundesrat are deliberating on climate policy measures. Observers see this as an attempt to lift heat protection out of the realm of voluntary services of general interest and anchor it in the Basic Law as a cross-cutting task.

Risks for vulnerable groups

In previous summers, social associations had already pointed to the particular risk posed by heat to people experiencing homelessness. Cool rooms, drinking water supplies, and outreach assistance are only available in isolated instances in many cities. A nationwide strategy has been lacking so far.

Family caregivers also face major burdens during heat waves. The VdK emphasized that people in need of care at home are often dependent on purchasing fans, air conditioners, or cooling aids themselves because there is no nationwide funding.

Role of the municipalities

From the Association of Cities' perspective, the municipal level is the decisive place where heat protection is put into practice. The range of tasks extends from heat-free days in schools to the establishment of cool public spaces and the provision of care for older citizens. A constitutional amendment would secure this mandate politically and financially.

The concept of services of general interest (Daseinsvorsorge) in the Basic Law has so far primarily related to energy, water, and transportation. Critics of an expansion argue that climate protection as a whole should not be defined through individual weather phenomena. Supporters counter that heat protection must be recognized as an independent protective task in order to remain capable of acting.

From within the associations, it was said that they expect a clear signal from the federal and state governments that protection against heat will be organized proactively rather than only after disasters. A heat summit could mark the starting point for a more comprehensive national heat protection strategy.

Political context and next steps

It remains unclear which concrete formulations are to be brought into play for an amendment to the Basic Law. One possibility would be a supplement to Article 91a or an expansion of the provisions on services of general interest. It also remains to be seen whether states such as Bavaria, which were particularly affected in previous summers, will launch their own initiatives.

The debate also takes place against the backdrop of other climate policy projects in the current legislative term. Whether the associations' appeal will result in concrete draft laws depends, according to observers, on the political will of the federal government and the majorities in the Bundestag.