The summer of 2025 began with temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius. Meteorologists are warning of a worrying climate dynamic. Not everyone can escape to the beach at short notice when it gets hot. What can be done?
A day is considered a hot day if the maximum temperature reaches or exceeds 30.0°C. According to the German Weather Service (DWD), the number of hot days has doubled in recent decades. Houses in Germany are still far from being prepared for the hot summers that are expected to continue.
The VDI has published expert recommendations on heat protection that outline the measures to be taken during heat waves and explain how prolonged hot days affect crisis management and civil protection. These detailed and specific recommendations will help cities and municipalities to better prepare for extreme heat.
A scientific project for a climate-resilient city has just been launched on the site of the former Tegel Airport in Berlin. It is one of the largest and most ambitious urban development projects in Europe: the reuse of the airport and the design of a new urban area based on the sponge city principle in the middle of Berlin.
Until effective climate protection measures are successfully implemented on a large scale, individual initiative is required. Fans and air conditioners are very popular for cooling, but they are expensive to purchase and operate. Blinds and sun protection films keep the heat out and, at least, do not consume energy. However, even better than any private measures to keep heat out of the home are fundamental measures that are taken into account during the construction or renovation of buildings and in urban planning.
Climate change requires a rethink in all areas. The US Environmental Protection Agency offers the following tips: Avoid physical activity during the hottest part of the day. Ventilate at night and early in the morning. Shade rooms as much as possible with external roller blinds, as these are more effective than internal ones. Cool your body with simple methods such as a cooling foot bath. Do not stay in parked cars for too long in hot weather.
Photo: © DolfiAm, Pixabay
