NRW Greens Push for Urgent Heat Protection Measures Amid Rising Heatwave Deaths

In response to the recent deadly heatwave in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) with temperatures exceeding 41°C, the NRW Greens have demanded comprehensive measures to protect the population from extreme heat. According to their state executive resolution, funding for cooling infrastructure should come from the federal disaster relief fund to address the life-threatening impacts of the heatwaves.

Tim Achtermeyer, co-chairman of the NRW Greens, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “The climate crisis has arrived, and it costs lives. Heat can be just as life-threatening as floods or severe storms.” During the heatwave, Cologne saw nearly four times the usual number of deaths, and emergency rooms across NRW were overwhelmed.

The Greens propose a funding program for installing air conditioning in public institutions such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and childcare facilities. They also call for establishing emergency cooling rooms and mobile drinking water stations in municipalities. To further assist vulnerable populations, the party suggests transforming libraries into cooling centers and increasing shading and green infrastructure in urban areas. Green roofs, facades, and heat pumps capable of cooling are recommended for new housing projects as part of heat protection in construction.

The Robert Koch Institute reported over 800 heat-related deaths in Germany from April 6 to June 21, excluding figures from the latest heatwave.

Although the federal government previously indicated that heat protection is mainly the responsibility of states and municipalities, with Infrastructure Minister Carsten Schneider acknowledging limited federal infrastructure funding capacity, the NRW Greens continue to advocate for federal financial support through disaster relief funds.

These proposals reflect growing concern over the severe health impacts of extreme heat in Germany and represent a push for coordinated action to mitigate risks amid rising temperatures.