Augsburg's heat action plan: just a guide without concrete actions?

Augsburg's heat action plan: just a guide without concrete actions?

The heat wave is rolling over Augsburg, and with it the question of how the city can protect its citizens from the effects of extreme temperatures. On July 14, 2025, the city's environmental committee presented the new heat action plan at a meeting. Loud DAZ Augsburg Those responsible are pursuing an ambitious goal: to minimize the negative effects of heat on the health of the population. The focus is particularly on raising awareness among citizens about the dangers of heat.

The plan, developed by Sarah Fritz from the health department, is divided into four central topic clusters that serve like a roadmap to prepare for hot days. The main focus here is planning and coordination, communication and awareness-raising, the preparation of the health, social and educational systems as well as heat protection in public spaces. Particular attention is being paid to vulnerable groups such as older people, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses who are particularly at risk from extreme temperatures.

Measures and demands

In total, the plan includes 18 different measures, including the creation of “climate islands” and comprehensive awareness campaigns. Critics such as Christian Pettinger from the ÖDP express concerns that the plan is more of a collection of advice than a concrete instruction for action. Meanwhile, Peter Rauscher from the Green Party welcomes the initiative and points to the worrying figures about heat deaths in Germany. Bruno Marcon from Augsburg is calling for additional measures such as drinking water points and an increase in the amount of green space to counteract the heat.

The heat action plan also pays particular attention to the public. Planned cool retreats and temporary greenery are intended to help offer people a place to relax in the city, while Lars Vollmar from the FDP expresses his disappointment with the general plans and explains that this is only the first step. In order to be able to implement concrete measures, as Reiner Erben, the environmental officer, notes, more money is needed from the city council.

Climate change as a health risk

But why is it so important to focus on heat protection now? Climate change not only has an impact on the environment, but also directly on people's health. According to a report by frankfurt.de Rising temperatures during the summer lead to increased health risks, especially for older and weakened people. The WHO formulated its first heat action plan in 2008, which was revised in 2019 to meet current requirements.

The Federal Environment Agency explains that climate change is caused by human activities and climate protection measures are absolutely necessary. The guidelines for drawing up heat action plans are intended to help cities better prepare for future situations and protect the population. The Frankfurt climate change action plan also integrates such elements and is therefore a model for other cities such as Augsburg.

It remains to be seen how the heat action plan in Augsburg will develop and whether the specific measures required will actually be implemented. Citizens are called upon to follow developments closely and, if necessary, take action to protect themselves and others.