Exploring thermal portals uncovers chilly destinations
In the face of escalating heatwaves due to climate change, Berlin has unveiled a comprehensive heat protection plan aimed at enhancing urban climate resilience. The plan, which is set for consultation and decision-making by the Senate and the Assembly of Citizens' Mayors, encompasses 72 measures designed to tackle the challenges posed by the increasing number of very hot days.
Key elements of the plan include:
- Expansion of green spaces and tree planting to mitigate the urban heat island effect by increasing shade and evapotranspiration cooling.
- Establishment of cooling centers, safe public places equipped to provide respite from extreme heat.
- Use of detailed urban heat mapping to identify heat hotspots for tailored adaptation measures, supported by new AI-driven models analysing heat stress at fine spatial scales.
- Focus on vulnerable populations such as the elderly, with coordinated health sector actions to handle increased heat-related risks.
- Legal and infrastructural improvements including retrofitting buildings to improve heat resilience, although widespread air conditioning is still limited and debated due to environmental considerations and rental market constraints.
The plan emphasises systematic climate adaptation through urban planning and public health strategies, but some critics argue it is not ambitious enough as a dedicated heat action plan.
To aid in the dissemination of information, a new internet portal called the Heat Protection Portal has been launched. This portal includes a map of drinking water fountains, swimming opportunities, and cool places like churches or museums, providing Berliners with essential resources during heatwaves. However, it does not provide specific data on heat-related deaths or heat days from 2018 to 2024.
By 2050, Berlin is expected to face about 25 very hot days annually (above 30°C), significantly increasing heat stress for residents. These measures aim to improve urban climate resilience but face calls from some groups for stronger, more comprehensive implementations.
It is worth noting that from 2018 to 2024, an average of approximately 200 heat-related deaths occurred annually in Berlin. The heat protection plan, based on scientific indications of the increasing number of very hot days, does not explicitly state the number of heat-related deaths or heat days from 2018 to 2024.
The health administration in Berlin reported this concerning statistic, underscoring the urgency of implementing effective strategies to combat heat-related hazards. The Heat Protection Portal also provides information about heat-related hazards and heat warnings, serving as a valuable resource for Berliners to find information and behavioural tips about heat.
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- As part of the heat protection plan, the health sector is focusing on vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly, due to the increased heat-related risks they face.
- The heat protection plan in Berlin, influenced by scientific indications, includes strategies for expanding green spaces and tree planting as a means to combat heat stress, promoting health-and-wellness and improving urban climate resilience.
