Graz is preparing: New heat action plan for hot days presented!

Graz is preparing: New heat action plan for hot days presented!

At temperatures of up to 32 degrees in Austria, the city of Graz is preparing for hotter days. The city's heat action plan was presented today in the Media Center. This plan aims to warn the population at an early stage, to inform about the necessary protective measures and to ensure targeted support in an emergency. Mayor Elke Kahr warned of the increasing number of hot days and emphasized the special responsibility to protect vulnerable groups. Vice Mayor Judith Schwentner sees the plan as part of a comprehensive climate strategy that also takes a look at the upcoming challenges through climate change. This is particularly important because 2024 the warmest year was recorded in Austria, which made further measures necessary to address the city's adaptation.

The heat action plan only comes into force when the state of Styria spends an official heat warning for the central area. When this warning is given, a package of measures is activated, which includes quick information and targeted help for the citizens. This includes concrete relief offers that focus on recommendations for self -provision and the care of endangered groups. The city has already set up numerous “cool rooms” in libraries and churches and installed free drinking water fountain in all districts.

measures and offers in detail

The planning stipulates that the city of Graz also systematically adapts the public infrastructure to the climatic changes. This includes planting over 2,600 trees, the creation of green roads and the establishment of cooler retreats. The initiatives aim to secure the quality of life of the citizens even during extreme heat periods.

In a similar context, the district of Ludwigsburg also presents a heat action plan in Baden-Württemberg. In this context, measures to cope with increasing temperatures during the summer months were formulated. The "Cool Map" there, for example, shows cooling locations such as outdoor pools and ice cream parlors, which can be supplemented by the citizens. Similar to Graz, the increasing number of tropical days in Ludwigsburg is worrying: since the 1970s, this has more than tripled from an average of 6.5 to 18.1 days between 2011 and 2022. In view of the forecasts that extreme heat and heavy rain events will increase until 2035, prevention measures are essential.

The Federal Environment Agency also documents that heat action plans in Germany have become more important since the 1970s. The European Environment Agency predicts a future increase in heat waves in frequency, duration and intensity. The fact that health risks are present even with low climate change should be given great attention.

Overall, the developments in Graz and Ludwigsburg show the need to proactively act against the dangers of heat events. The company is challenged to take precautions and those responsible have decided to take a forward -looking action in order to secure the quality of life of the citizens in times of extreme weather conditions.