Green politicians Ricarda Lang and Katharina Schulze have called for enhanced heat protection measures across Germany. Ricarda Lang commented to the news portal T-Online that the ongoing “cultural conflict” against heat pumps is prioritized by Friedrich Merz over protecting the public. She noted that even severe weather days characterized by high heat stress and severe weather warnings are insufficient to prompt a necessary change in strategy.
Lang criticized the federal government, arguing that it is focused solely on climate mitigation rather than addressing the entire climate crisis. She also targeted Economics Minister Katharina Reiche, claiming that the CDU politician is steering Germany “back into dependence on oil and gas.” The Green party criticized Reiche, asserting that she seems unwilling to participate in the solution and strives instead to worsen the problem. Lang added that Europe could become “independent of dictators like Vladimir Putin” through renewable energies, which would simultaneously create affordable power. She expressed frustration that while another ‘unknown transport minister’ had to step aside, Reiche remained in office.
Katharina Schulze focused specifically on the need for improved heat protection for vulnerable groups, including the elderly, pregnant women, children, caregivers, and those who are ill. According to the Bavarian Green party’s faction spokesperson, care facilities, hospitals, and kindergartens must be equipped to remain safe havens even during heatwaves. Required provisions include air conditioning, cooling vests, mobile shading, and increased access to drinking water and cooling supplies. She highlighted that prescribing air conditioning for particularly vulnerable individuals would bring essential cooling directly into their homes.
Schulze emphasized that heat protection cannot depend on one’s financial means or where one lives. She stressed that immediate action is required to limit global warming while simultaneously safeguarding people from the increasing heat. She assured that technical solutions are already available, stating that modern air conditioning units can be powered by solar energy captured on rooftops. She concluded with the firm stance that climate adaptation and climate protection are inseparable, with neither being sustainable without the other.
