Heat in German cities: a study on existing and planned measures to protect human health

Hannemann, L., Janson, D., & Grewe, H. A. (2023). Heat in German cities: a study on existing and planned measures to protect human health. In Zeitschrift fuer Gesundheitswissenschaften. Beiheft: Vol. (2023). https://doi.org/10.60810/openumwelt-1293

Zusammenfassung englisch

Aim Extreme heat events caused by climate change continue to increase in frequency, duration, and intensity. People living in cities in particular are exposed to heat as a result of the urban heat island efect. Although negative efects can be mitigated by heat health action plans (HHAPs), it remains unknown how many German cities have implemented such plans or other measures to reduce the health risks from heat. Therefore, this study surveyed the status of planned or published HHAPs and measures in German cities. Subject and methods Approximately 10% of German cities with the greatest population density were sampled for the study (n = 70 cities). A frequency analysis of city concepts and city webpages was conducted to determine whether cities have already introduced concepts for climate adaptation, climate protection or an HHAP, and which measures are planned in detail. Results Fifty-one cities have implemented measures to protect health from heat events. Forty-one cities integrated such measures into concepts, and only one city formulated an HHAP. Large cities in particular published measures. Long-term measures proved most common, for example, improved building envelope insulation and urban greening. Other than advice on individual behavior, hardly any acute heat health measures are being taken. Quelle: © The Author(s) 2023