Concerns are growing regarding the preparedness of German schools to cope with increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves. Stefan Düll, president of the German Teachers’ Association, has urged the federal government to allocate funds from a special infrastructure fund towards the renovation of aging school buildings.
Düll highlighted that a limited number of schools currently possess adequate protection against rising temperatures. Many buildings, particularly those constructed in the post-war era, lack sufficient insulation, effective ventilation systems, air purification and functional air conditioning or shading. Access to drinking water and shaded outdoor spaces during breaks are also often insufficient, he noted.
The call for investment has received cross-party support. Jasmina Hostert, education spokesperson for the Social Democratic Party (SPD), expressed approval of the proposal to utilize funds from the infrastructure budget for improving heat resilience in schools, emphasizing the importance of student wellbeing and a robust educational infrastructure. Jan van Aken, leader of the Left Party, similarly advocated for financial resources to ensure a conducive learning environment even during periods of high temperatures.
The demand for action comes as Germany experiences a significant increase in the number of heat days per year. Since the 1950s, the average has tripled to around 11.5 heat days annually. Projections indicate a potentially dramatic increase to between 20 and 35 heat days per year in cities like Berlin between 2071 and 2100 if greenhouse gas emissions are not significantly reduced. Adherence to the Paris Agreement climate goals, however, could limit the increase to an average of ten to sixteen heat days per year.