La ville appelle à des milliards de dollars pour l'adaptation au climat

Germany’s cities are demanding billions of euros in funding to combat the growing threat of extreme heatwaves, with officials warning that current financial support from federal and state governments falls far short of what is needed to implement effective climate adaptation measures. The German Cities Association (Deutscher Städtetag) has called for urgent action, emphasizing that climate adaptation is not a luxury but a necessity for ensuring public health and infrastructure resilience. The association’s chief executive, Christian Schuchardt, stated that Germany must invest billions of euros nationwide to address the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves. He criticized existing federal and state-level funding programs as insufficient for the scale of required investments. According to Schuchardt, local governments cannot shoulder the burden alone, and long-term, predictable financial backing from the federal government and states is essential. Schuchardt highlighted the need for comprehensive measures such as sealing less pavement and increasing green spaces in urban areas to reduce heat exposure. These actions are crucial for protecting vulnerable populations, including the elderly and children, who are particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Recent heatwaves have exposed critical gaps in preparedness, with reports of damaged roads, disrupted train services, and overwhelmed healthcare systems. According to preliminary data from the German Weather Service (Deutscher Wetterdienst), July 2026 was among the ten hottest months recorded, continuing a trend of unusually high temperatures since June 2026. This follows a record-breaking June, which was the second-warmest on record, with average temperatures reaching 19.5 degrees Celsius. The prolonged period of warmth has raised concerns about the country's ability to adapt to increasingly frequent and severe heat events. In response to these challenges, the federal government announced plans to increase funding for climate adaptation efforts, particularly for social institutions such as kindergartens and nursing homes. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment revealed that starting in 2027, more funds would be allocated through the Climate and Transformation Fund (KTF). This shift aims to provide financial support for developing heat protection plans and implementing necessary infrastructure changes. However, critics argue that redirecting funds from the core budget to the KTF could undermine climate protection efforts by diverting resources away from emissions reduction initiatives. Green Party MP Julia Schneider expressed concern over this move, stating that the government should not pit climate protection against climate adaptation. She emphasized the importance of securing additional funding for social institutions during the upcoming budget negotiations. A survey conducted by the Paritätisches Gesamtverband, representing nearly 3,000 social institutions, found that 80 percent of respondents require air conditioning units, yet only 20 percent currently have them installed. Additionally, fewer than one-third of these institutions have developed heat protection plans. Many staff members reported experiencing physical exhaustion, concentration difficulties, and increased error rates due to the extreme heat. Katja Kipping, head of the Paritätisches Gesamtverband, described the situation as dire, noting instances of indoor temperatures ranging from 30 to 40 degrees Celsius in some facilities. She urged the establishment of a national heat emergency fund to cover the costs of structural improvements, technical solutions, and additional staffing. Such measures are deemed essential to mitigate the adverse effects of rising temperatures on both residents and employees within these institutions. The demand for substantial investment in climate adaptation reflects a broader recognition of the urgent need to prepare for the impacts of global warming. With the number of heat-related deaths already reaching into the thousands, the call for immediate and sustained financial support underscores the gravity of the situation facing Germany’s cities and their inhabitants.