How Germany manages extreme heat and climate change – DW – 07/20/2025

DW

20-07-2025

The next heat wave has been forecast in Germany. How is a country known for its lack of air conditioning preparing?
This summer has seen some hot days in Germany. Very hot. In early July, temperatures in Hamburg and Cologne soared to 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 F). Some areas recorded temperatures close to 40 C.
In earlier years, such temperatures were not typically recorded until early August — a development that experts attribute to climate change. On radio, television and social media, people were urged to stay at home, especially during the middle of the day.
During that heat wave, DW asked people on the streets of Berlin how they prepared. A young woman showed the small fan she had with her, saying: "In the end I have this thing here."
Another woman said: "I try to cool off. I drink a lot but still try to enjoy the sun."
A man said: "I have my hat, drink a lot of water and walk in the shade."
In 2025 so far, temperatures have been extremely high for only short stretches, not over long periods. What can authorities do to better protect people from extreme heat? DW asked spokespeople from federal ministries in Berlin whether the government is planning any new measures following the first heat wave in early July.
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"It is up to state-level and local authorities to take action," Health Ministry spokesperson Sabine Grüneberg said. "We are responsible for informing people."
She referred residents to the website hitzeservice.de, which contains comprehensive information, including advice specific for elderly people and people with illnesses. The website started in 2023, though other countries such as France have had similar services for much longer.
The Interior Ministry said the army was always prepared to help — especially with forest fires. Soldiers were involved in the aerial effort to fight massive wildfires in Saxony and Brandenburg, with water dumped from helicopters.
There, firefighters, the Federal Agency for Technical Relief and local residents were able to avoid the worst on July 1. The Ghorischheide area of northern Saxony was especially affected. An area of about 2,100 hectares burned for days and some homes had to be evacuated as a precaution.
The federal government's NINA app also provides warnings of such fires. It has been used by 12 million people since it was developed 10 years ago. It contains current information and warnings about floods and weather conditions, including heat waves. Recently, it has added warnings from the police.
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In hospitals, elder care facilities and homeless shelters, workers are even busier than usual on hot days, ensuring that people have enough water and, above all, protection from the sun.
"Such a heat wave should not be underestimated," Peter Bobbert, the president of the Berlin Medical Association President, told DW. "We all need to actively protect ourselves: avoid hot places in the city, drink enough — and above all care for people who are not able to protect themselves."
High temperatures do not only reduce people's concentration and performance. Doctors such as Bobbert continually warn: Heat can lead to heart and circulatory failure — which can be deadly for people who are ill or elderly.
According to the German consumer comparison website Verivox, in 2023 there was air conditioning in 13% of German homes. Last year, the rate was 19 percent. Currently, demand is lower again, which experts attribute to Germany's high electricity prices. Air conditioning is, however, still lacking in hospitals, care facilities and schools.
It is very difficult for road construction workers to avoid the heat — as seen in the big heat wave of early July in Munich. One worker described how he and his colleagues normally lay about 100 meters (328 feet) of new road surface per day. During the heatwave, that reduced by half.
"We drink enough," civil engineer Charikleia Kagiaoglo said. "We take a lot of breaks and make ourselves as comfortable as we can on the building site."
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The welfare of workers has been highlighted by the Gesunde Erde — Gesunde Menschen (Healthy Planet-Healthy People) foundation, which was started five years ago by the German physician, author and television quizmaster Eckart von Hirschhausen. Its managing director Kerstin Blum said: "People who cannot avoid the heat and UV exposure or need to wear heavy work or protective gear, such as on building sites, in farming or roadside assistance, are especially vulnerable."
Blum said: "People in cities, especially in socially disadvantaged areas, which often have less green space, are especially affected and often have fewer possibilities to escape the heat-"
Blum has a clear call to politicians: "We need effective climate protection. Otherwise, summer will turn from a wonderful season to a very dangerous season for very many people."
According to Germany's public health body, the Berlin-based Robert Koch Institute, about 6,000 people died from extreme heat in Germany in 2023 and 2024. To provide context, about 5600 people were killed in traffic incidents during that same period.
Insurance company Allianz calculated a 4.9% increase in health care costs across the European Union during heat waves so far in 2025. For Germany, that is a cost of about €25 billion ($29.4 billion).While you're here: Every Tuesday, DW editors round up what is happening in German politics and society. You can sign up here for the weekly email newsletter, Berlin Briefing.