The SPD-led ministries within the CDU-SPD coalition are intensifying efforts to address the increasing heatwave threat, putting pressure on their governing partners in the Union party. Citing the escalating global and national effects of climate change-particularly heat, drought, wildfires, low water levels, and heavy rainfall-the Social Democrats are pushing for a comprehensive response. According to the newspaper “Spiegel”, they are proposing not only a national heat action plan and changes to building planning law but also demanding the constitutional entrenchment of a “Community Task for Climate Adaptation and Nature Conservation” during the current legislative period.
A four-page document detailing a dozen measures was developed by the Social Democratic ministers responsible for Finance, Social Affairs, Labor, Construction, and Development, under the coordination of the environment ministry.
The SPD is clearly dissatisfied with what it views as the disorganized approach by federal, state, and local governments. While some high-ranking CDU politicians previously rejected a constitutional amendment for climate adaptation, the SPD insists on implementing the change this legislative term. They argue that enshrining the “Community Task” in the Basic Law is a prerequisite for the federal government to participate consistently in the funding of municipal and state tasks, enabling long-term, legally secure, and widespread action on climate adaptation and nature conservation.
Until this constitutional change is finalized, the SPD plans to consolidate existing federal funding instruments into an “Immediate Program for Climate Adaptation and Heat Protection.” This program will aim to better align, supplement, and finance existing initiatives. For example, the current funding program “Climate Adaptation in Social Facilities” will be revitalized with a new funding window to support projects in care homes or hospitals, ensuring they can be cooled down or protected from excessive heat.
The Social Democratic ministers also demand that funds from the special reserve for infrastructure and climate protection be utilized to promote more significant changes to building facades. Regarding the social consequences of climate change, the SPD proposes a “Heat Action Plan for Health Protection.” This plan would involve the state advising employers to safeguard workers from the extreme heat. Furthermore, if heat leads to disruptions in production or supply chains, the government would consider utilizing existing short-time work subsidies. Finally, the SPD aims to legally anchor climate adaptation measures within the building planning law.
