The president of the German Caritas Association, Eva Welskop-Deffaa, has urged increased heat protection measures for homeless individuals, particularly within train stations and cautioned against calls for their displacement. Speaking to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, Welskop-Deffaa highlighted the heightened vulnerability of those without housing during periods of extreme heat, emphasizing the lack of access to basic cooling shelters.
She acknowledged existing support initiatives, such as mobile medical services and water distribution, but stressed the necessity of reinforcing and expanding these social provisions, especially within transportation hubs. Welskop-Deffaa suggested facilities like laundry rooms and community centers could contribute to preventing deterioration, mitigating health risks and fostering public empathy for individuals who may be perceived as disruptive within urban landscapes.
The Caritas leader expressed concern about the potential for policies mirroring those recently seen in the United States – where calls for the removal of homeless populations have gained political support – and advocated for preventing similar developments in Germany.
The increasing frequency of heatwaves is a growing concern. Since the 1950s, Germany has experienced a tripling in the average number of heat days per year, currently averaging 11.5. Projections indicate that, without significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, cities like Berlin could face between 20 and 35 heat days annually between 2071 and 2100. Adherence to the Paris Climate Agreement, however, could limit this figure to an average of ten to sixteen heat days per year.