(de-news.net) – Institutional representatives in Germany have called for enhanced protective measures for homeless individuals in response to escalating temperatures and a growing homelessness crisis. Christian Schuchardt, representing the German Association of Cities, urged federal and state authorities to intensify their efforts in safeguarding homeless populations from extreme heat. He stressed the importance of integrating heat protection more prominently into the National Action Plan on Homelessness, which aims to eliminate homelessness by 2030. Furthermore, he asserted that municipalities should not be solely responsible for implementing such measures.
Gerda Hasselfeldt, President of the German Red Cross, advocated for the expansion of heat-resilient emergency shelters and increased financial support for outreach initiatives such as heat buses. She noted that, in light of the increasing frequency of heatwaves, these interventions could contribute significantly to the protection of public health.
President of the German Caritas Association Eva Welskop-Deffaa highlighted the acute vulnerability of homeless individuals during periods of extreme heat, primarily due to their lack of access to cool and secure environments. She referenced existing support services, including mobile medical units and water distribution, and called for their reinforcement, particularly in the vicinity of railway stations. Drawing attention to concerning developments in the United States, she warned against proposals advocating for the displacement of homeless individuals from urban areas. She emphasized the importance of inclusive social services in promoting empathy and mitigating social exclusion.
Climate data indicates that anthropogenic warming has led to a tripling of annual heat days in Germany since the 1950s, with the current average reaching 11.5 days per year. Projections suggest that, absent significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, cities such as Berlin could experience between 20 and 35 heat days annually by the end of the century. Compliance with the Paris Climate Agreement, however, could limit this figure to between 10 and 16 days, underscoring the imperative of both climate mitigation and targeted social support.
