Former Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach (SPD) believes that the number of people dying in Germany due to the consequences of heat is likely higher than previously estimated. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post”, he stated that the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) uses a “rather conservative methodology,” meaning that the actual number of deaths caused by heat is probably being underestimated.
Despite this critique, Lauterbach defended the RKI’s approach, arguing that the methodology is “well-substantiated because the relative changes can still be mapped out well.” He explained that methodologically, capturing heat-related deaths is not straightforward. According to the former health minister, most people who die in the heat do not suffer a classical heatstroke. For example, high heat stress might contribute to a stroke developing from pre-existing atrial fibrillation. While a person might formally die of a stroke, the politician noted that without the heat exposure, the incident might not have occurred.
Looking toward better future heat protection, Lauterbach also advocated for amending the basic law (Grundgesetz). He supported the initiative put forward by Environment Minister Carsten Schneider to consider such a change, acknowledging that effective heat protection requires significant funding. He pointed out that many municipalities are heavily indebted and cannot finance the necessary measures on their own.
Lauterbach called on the CDU and CSU to pave the way for a constitutional change. He warned that the issue is often avoided by the Union parties because they prefer not to jeopardize cooperation with the Left Party. However, he insisted, “When it comes to protecting health, and ultimately to life and death, ideological reservations should be put aside.”
The RKI reports that heat periods in Germany this year have already resulted in approximately 12,500 deaths. As global warming advances, heatwaves are becoming stronger and more frequent. This effect will continue to intensify as additional greenhouse gases, such as those released by burning coal, oil, and gas, are injected into the atmosphere.
