Heat action day: Munich district gives tips for heat protection!

Heat action day: Munich district gives tips for heat protection!

On Wednesday, June 4th, the time has come: the nationwide heat action day is just around the corner. Under the motto “Making Germany heat-resilient – ​​we take responsibility,” the Munich district is also taking part in this important event. Citizens are called upon to inform themselves about heat protection and to actively participate in shaping a heat-resilient future. [Süddeutsche] reports that an information stand from the district office's climate adaptation team will be at the weekly market in Neuried from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Here you can find information about heat prevention and the district's climate adaptation concept.

Particularly noteworthy is the wheel of fortune, where you can win small prizes, as well as the opportunity to speak personally to the experts at the stand. According to forecasts, the Munich district will be one of the regions that will be severely affected by climate change. More frequent hot days are expected, but also heavy rain and dry periods. In order to counteract this trend, six workshops are already planned in various municipalities in the district. The aim is to develop measures to combat water shortages, heat and storms. [Federal Environment Agency] notes that climate change will be more noticeable, especially in urban areas, which is why such initiatives are so important.

Measures for a more resilient future

The district has developed an integrated climate adaptation concept in collaboration with the district's municipalities. This concept aims to identify risks at an early stage, implement targeted protective measures and strengthen the region's resilience. Results from scientific analyzes as well as exchanges at the local level are incorporated into recommendations for action that cover areas such as health, infrastructure, nature and disaster protection. Further information can be found on the Munich district website: www.landkreis-muenchen.de/climate-consequence-adaptation.

Heat waves in Germany have been increasing since the 1970s, endangering not only nature but also the health of the population. Since the hot summer of 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the creation of heat action plans to counteract the consequences of extreme temperatures. Current data shows that the increase in heat waves could take on dimensions similar to those in extremely hot summers in recent years, such as 2003 or 2019. [Deutschlandfunk] emphasizes that the development of specific action plans for acute heat situations is increasingly coming into focus.

Climate preparedness services and their importance

As part of these efforts, the importance of climate preparedness services is also highlighted. Over 90% of the local governments surveyed in a survey were aware of the recommendations for heat action plans, and many of them find the recommendations helpful. Nevertheless, the implementation of such concepts at the federal and local level is often still in the planning phase. [Federal Environment Agency] names factors that are crucial for the success of the heat action plans, such as risk perception and the exchange of responsibilities between the actors involved.

The importance of such measures is also shown by the fact that the health risk from heat does not only persist in the face of severe climate change. It is clear that particularly vulnerable groups, such as older people, can benefit from these plans to reduce the risk of death from extreme temperatures. A close exchange between the federal government, states and local authorities is therefore essential in order to develop and implement sustainable strategies.

Find out about the importance of the climate adaptation concept on June 4th at the weekly market in Neuried and be inspired by how you too can contribute to a heat-resilient future. Together we have a responsibility to be there for our environment and our fellow human beings!