Conservationists within CDU Group aim for reforestation on Tempelhofer Feld
In an effort to address the growing concerns of rising urban temperatures and the associated health risks, the CDU faction in Berlin has presented a series of proposals aimed at enhancing heat protection for the city's residents, particularly vulnerable groups such as children.
The CDU's plans encompass a wide range of practical and comprehensive measures, focusing on green infrastructure, urban planning adaptations, public health measures, and transportation improvements.
One of the key proposals is the creation of a climate forest on parts of the Tempelhofer Field, a large open space in Berlin. This initiative aims to increase green spaces that absorb heat, improve air quality, and provide shaded recreational areas, contributing to the city’s overall climate resilience.
Another significant suggestion is the installation of air conditioning systems in Berlin's S-Bahn trains. This measure would provide relief during hot weather and make public transportation more comfortable and safer for passengers, especially during extreme heat events.
The CDU also advocates for the addition of shade structures to playgrounds to protect children from direct sun exposure and heat stress during playtime. This aligns with broader efforts seen in other German cities advocating for shaded public spaces and schools.
Modernising kindergartens with heat-resistant designs and infrastructure, potentially including green roofs and improved ventilation, is another proposal aimed at ensuring safe environments for young children during heat waves.
The CDU believes that heat warnings from the German Weather Service (DWD) should be communicated better in Berlin. To address this, they suggest informing Berliners in a timely manner via public transport passenger information systems, digital platforms, and media about heat waves and health risks.
In addition, the CDU faction proposes optimising BVG waiting shelters for better protection from direct sunlight on hot days, and creating and making publicly accessible a digital map of cool spots in the city.
The CDU's proposals also extend to the protection of hospitals in emergency situations, suggesting the relocation of operating and intensive care capacities to protected areas if necessary.
These initiatives fit within a broader context of urgent heat protection planning in German cities, as rising temperatures and increasing heat waves pose significant health risks. The German government and local authorities have been urged to integrate heat resilience into urban planning and public infrastructure to reduce heat-related mortality and improve quality of life.
The CDU's proposals, if implemented, would make Berlin a more resilient city, better equipped to face the growing challenges of urban heat. The CDU faction in the House of Representatives has expressed its desire for these proposals to be considered in the heat action plan for 2024, announced by the black-red Senate.
- The CDU's proposed measures in environmental science, such as the creation of a climate forest and modernizing kindergartens with heat-resistant designs, are aimed at enhancing the city's health-and-wellness by providing cooler, safer spaces during heat waves.
- Recognizing the impact of climate change on urban temperatures, the CDU has suggested installing air conditioning systems in Berlin's S-Bahn trains, and optimizing waiting shelters for better sun protection, as part of their broad approach to improve the city's resilience and scientific understanding of the changing climate.
