Some 83% of people interviewed for the latest ZDF Politbarometer poll on political sentiment in Germany feel cities are not doing enough to protect them from extreme heat.
Numerous improvements are needed said those polled, including making drinking water available in public spaces, increasing the amount of greenery in cities, improving building standards and providing cool spaces.
Only 13% of interviewees said enough was being done.
No trees, no shade, no water — very few cities offer respite from the heat, and citizens say that is a problemImage: Hesham Elsherif/Anadolu/picture alliance
Some 74% of those responding to broadcaster ZDF also said they feared increased extreme weather incidents in the coming years, including heatwaves, drought or flooding, whereas 25% said they were not worried.
The poll, conducted by the Wahlen Research Group in Mannheim, surveyed 1,405 random registered voters between July 28-30.
Responses did not seem to be indicative of party sympathies said pollsters, with voters of all stripes voicing similar opinions.
Municipalities, however, say such measures would cost billions, adding that they simply don’t have the funds, and thus they see responsibility with the federal government when it comes to what local leaders describe is a generational task.
Climate Alliance Germany, a civil society initiative of more than 150 civic, environmental, labor and religious organizations advocating for “socially just climate policies at the local, national, European and global level” has also called on Berlin to take concrete steps.
Both the Climate Alliance and the local leadership organization Städtetag (the German Association of Cities and Towns) have called for a concerted effort, with Städtetag Managing Director Christian Schuchardt saying, “We have to approach it together — the federal government, the states and the municipalities.”
Berliners are future-proofing their city
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