Germany records around 12,500 heat-related deaths so far this year
Thousands protested in Berlin as health officials said repeated heatwaves have caused an estimated 12,500 deaths in Germany this year.
- The Robert Koch Institute reported 12,500 heat-related deaths in Germany through August 2nd, while thousands gathered last week in front of the Federal Chancellery in Berlin demanding government climate action.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz has largely remained quiet despite the deaths, previously stating he would "continue to monitor the situation" in mid-July. Critics argue Merz has personally pushed policies hindering Germany's 2030 climate goals, including watering down electric vehicle mandates.
- German climate activist Luisa Neubauer criticized the government at the rally, stating that if another catastrophe had claimed so many lives, "heaven and hell would have been in motion." She called 12,000 heat deaths "are not worth a single word to him is shameful."
- The German Environmental Aid Association monitors urban heat preparedness and cited the Berlin Tree Referendum and Berlin Trees Plus Act as essential projects reversing tree loss and surface sealing trends in cities.
- Parliamentary group vice-chairman Misbah Khan stated schools need better cooling systems for effective teaching, while the DUH told The Local that federal "construction turbo" policies are actively leading to increased surface sealing, viewing political will as "completely inadequate.
24 Articles
24 Articles
In spite of record temperatures, heat deaths and drought, climate protection is not a priority for the Federal Government. Why don't more people go out on the streets?
In Germany, about 12,500 people have already died due to heat this year. Since the beginning of the year, about 12,500 people have died due to extreme heat in Germany, exceeding the previous record of 2018. People over 75 have suffered the most, and the authorities are discussing protective measures.
Since mid-July, a further 2700 deaths have been added. Thus, the previous highs from 2018 and 2019 are even more clearly exceeded.
The number of heat deaths in Germany has increased again. The Robert Koch Institute assumes that by the beginning of August about 12 500 deaths were caused by heat. Why the actual number is likely to be even higher.
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