CDU Bauministers from Five States Demand Special Heat Protection Program "Cooles Land" by 2027

Bauministers from five CDU-led German states have united to call for a special heat protection program named "Cooles Land," with a proposed budget of half a billion euros. The initiative aims to support urban development measures such as creating shaded and cooler areas in cities, targeting implementation by summer 2027. Funding for the program is intended to come from the federal government.

This call emerges as a distinct CDU position amid ongoing debate on climate adaptation measures. The CDU ministers reject the SPD's proposal for a constitutional amendment to enshrine climate adaptation, arguing it distracts from immediate, practical solutions. NRW Bauminister Ina Scharrenbach emphasized that such constitutional changes do not directly benefit heat protection efforts and said, "Our focus must be on constructive, practical solutions rather than constitutional debates."

The CDU ministers also criticized SPD Bauminister Verena Hubertz for what they described as her "deafening silence" on the matter and stressed their desire for active collaboration. The topic of climate adaptation and heat protection is slated for discussion at the upcoming Bauministerkonferenz in September, where the Federal Ministry of Construction will also participate.

This development reflects an urgent push by CDU-led states to address increasing heat challenges in urban settings with concrete measures rather than political gridlock or constitutional amendments. The proposed "Cooles Land" program highlights targeted investment toward creating livable urban climates amidst escalating heat risks.