Heat concepts in Berlin and Barcelona: hot plaster

Berlin residents are increasingly grappling with extreme heat, prompting calls for more effective urban cooling strategies. In recent months, the city has implemented measures such as a Heat Action Plan and designated “cool spots,” yet critics argue these efforts fall short of addressing the growing threat posed by rising temperatures. The situation has drawn comparisons to cities in southern Europe, particularly Barcelona, which is seen as having better approaches to managing urban heat. The impact of heatwaves has been felt acutely in neighborhoods like Kreuzberg, where 72-year-old Christian Domrich lives. His fifth-floor apartment becomes unbearably hot even by mid-morning, reaching around 25 degrees Celsius under clear skies. Domrich, who suffers from heart conditions and takes medication that increases his sensitivity to sunlight, has taken steps to mitigate the effects, installing blue-tinted window film and dark curtains to block direct sunlight. However, he avoids using his balcony, which heats up like a stove, and instead spends time in his bathroom, the only cool space in his old building. Domrich’s experience reflects a broader concern among Berliners, especially the elderly and vulnerable. He notes seeing homeless individuals lying motionless in the sun without access to water or shade, highlighting the inadequacy of current support systems. Despite the city's efforts, including the establishment of emergency shelters for the homeless and the rollout of a Heat Action Plan in 2025, many feel the response is insufficient. The recent heatwave in late June saw a significant increase in mortality rates, with 8,346 additional deaths recorded over five days compared to expectations, according to the Federal Statistical Office. This figure rivals the excess mortality observed during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic in winter 2020. Such data underscores the urgent need for more comprehensive measures to protect public health amid rising temperatures. Berlin has made some strides in its approach to urban heat management. Since 2021, the city has operated 11 emergency shelters for the homeless, providing them with shelter, showers, and meals. Additionally, the Heat Action Plan includes initiatives like the “Cool Places Map,” which identifies publicly accessible, climate-controlled spaces. For example, in the popular Mauerpark area of Pankow, a “Cooling Point” offers drinking fountains, wheelchair-accessible shaded areas, and mist stations. These localized efforts aim to provide immediate relief to those affected by high temperatures. Despite these initiatives, experts warn that more needs to be done. Dr. Michael Barker, a pediatrician and member of the Berlin Heat Protection Alliance, emphasizes that the risk of heat-related illnesses is often underestimated. He points out that many people engage in risky behavior, such as jogging during midday heat, which exacerbates the problem. Barker suggests that cities like Barcelona offer valuable insights into creating resilient urban environments through green-blue infrastructure, including more trees, water bodies, and green facades. Barcelona’s approach to managing urban heat involves extensive use of green spaces and water features to reduce temperatures. While Berlin has begun implementing similar concepts, the pace and scale remain limited. Barker argues that increasing tree cover and incorporating water elements into urban planning could significantly lower city temperatures and improve public health outcomes. As global temperatures continue to rise, the challenge for cities like Berlin will be to balance immediate relief measures with long-term structural changes. The experiences of residents like Domrich highlight the personal toll of inadequate heat protection, while experts stress the importance of learning from successful models elsewhere. With the frequency and intensity of heatwaves expected to increase, the urgency for effective and sustainable solutions has never been greater.