The Federal Working Group for Homeless Aid (BAG Wohnungslosenhilfe) has issued stern warnings regarding the potentially life-threatening consequences of the extreme heat this summer for those living on the streets. Sabine Bösing, the director of the BAG, told the “Rheinische Post” that individuals without permanent shelter face the highest risk during heatwaves. She stressed that since they lack access to water, shade, or cool indoor spaces, homeless people are completely exposed to the severe heat. Furthermore, Bösing explained that many individuals suffer from pre-existing conditions that are exacerbated by high temperatures, making protection from cool housing essential, not just an emergency measure.
The BAG insists that protection against heat must become a mandatory duty for both the state and local municipalities, rather than an optional service.
Echoing these concerns, the German Social Association (SoVD) also demanded greater measures to combat the heat. SoVD head Michaela Engelmeier stated that the alarmingly high number of heat-related deaths-approaching 12,000-demonstrates that Germany is insufficiently prepared for extreme heat events. The SoVD urged that reliably available protection be provided to particularly vulnerable populations. They called for states and local authorities to implement comprehensive heat action plans, while the federal government must take responsibility through binding standards, continuous funding, and shared financial commitments.
The heatwave toward the end of June resulted in more fatalities than initially projected. According to new calculations from the Robert Koch Institute, approximately 9,600 people died from heat-related causes in just one week. These heatwaves are becoming stronger and more frequent due to global warming, a trend that will be intensified as long as additional greenhouse gases, such as those released from burning coal, oil, and gas, are introduced into the atmosphere.
