German Cities’ Chief Executive Calls for Increased Funding for Heat Protection Measures
The head of the German Association of Cities, Helmut Dedy, has urged the federal and state governments to provide more financial support for municipalities to tackle the heat protection issue. According to Dedy, cities alone cannot bear the long-term financial burden of heat protection measures and a better financial setup is necessary.
Dedy emphasized the need for a range of measures, including the creation of shade through trees and sunshades, as well as various construction projects, such as the storage of rainwater for dry periods in the landscape. He stressed that a municipal heat action plan would remain a paper tiger without the necessary funds to implement the planned measures.
The cities are counting on the Climate and Transformation Fund, which is to be replenished with 100 billion euros from a 500-billion-euro special fund for infrastructure. Dedy expressed hope in the coalition agreement, which he believes provides a glimmer of hope for the cities.
However, Dedy also criticized the federal government’s climate adaptation law, saying that only a few states are willing to set clear guidelines for cities and then pass the costs on to them, following the principle of “who orders, pays”.