Government announces heat protection in schools: What teachers, students and parents lack

Austrian authorities have announced new measures aimed at protecting schools from extreme heat, responding to rising temperatures linked to climate change. The government plans to retrofit older school buildings with cooling features such as shading devices, improved windows, and heat-reflective films. These efforts come after weeks of intense heatwaves, with temperatures reaching up to 41 degrees Celsius in parts of the country. The initiative includes allowing parents to excuse their children from school when the heat warning level reaches three, defined as 35 degrees Celsius or higher, and permits schools to shorten class hours or extend breaks during high-temperature periods. The recent heatwave has prompted calls for urgent action, particularly among educators, students, and parents who have witnessed classrooms becoming dangerously hot. Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr, representing the Neos party, convened a summit on heat protection following these concerns. The discussions led to agreements based on four heat warning levels issued by Geosphere Austria. At level two, which starts at a perceived temperature of 30 degrees Celsius, schools can implement localized measures independently. At level three, schools can adjust schedules, and parents can request exemptions for their children from attending classes. Initial plans were outlined earlier this year, but the government recently formalized them through a joint ministerial statement. During summer break, officials agreed to take additional steps to make homes and schools more resilient to high temperatures. This includes retrofitting older schools with shading mechanisms, replacing windows on facades exposed to excessive heat, and applying heat-resistant films. Additional measures involve de-sealing and greening schoolyards to reduce urban heat effects. Environmental organization Greenpeace called for immediate action, urging Wiederkehr to work with regional governments to establish emergency funding for heat-resistant schools and kindergartens. The minister also proposed moving summer holidays earlier, potentially starting in mid-June and ending in mid-August. However, he emphasized the need for broad consultation with all stakeholders before implementing such changes. Reactions from education professionals and parents highlight ongoing concerns about the adequacy of current measures. Evelyn Kometter, president of the umbrella association of Austrian compulsory school parent organizations, criticized the idea of shifting holidays, noting that heat persists into August and questioning whether similar adjustments would follow for other seasons. She stressed the importance of upgrading school infrastructure rather than altering holiday schedules. Not all schools currently have external shading systems, as illustrated by a Vienna school that does. Long-term solutions require creating climate-resilient schools instead of relying on glass structures vulnerable to heat. While the government's proposals represent progress, many stakeholders argue that more comprehensive and sustainable approaches are needed to address the growing challenge of extreme weather conditions in educational settings.