A new plan is proposed by the Association of Cities and Municipalities to better protect communities from heatwaves.
The organization is calling for the creation of climate adaptation plans and other measures such as de-paving of areas, the establishment of rainwater retention areas, climate-resilient sewage infrastructure and more green spaces in urban centers. According to the Funke Media Group, it is essential that the promised investment of 100 billion euros in the climate and transformation fund in the coming years be largely allocated to municipal climate protection.
The head of the municipal umbrella organization, André Berghegger, emphasized that high health risks exist particularly for older people, children, people with pre-existing conditions and the homeless. Therefore, institutions for old-age care and childcare need to develop and finance corresponding concepts. Berghegger demands “bureaucracy-free infrastructure programs” that can be implemented locally according to local needs.