In light of the approaching heatwave, the social association VdK and the Left Party are warning about the dangerous consequences of high temperatures for homeless individuals.
Janis Ehling, the federal director of the Left Party, told the “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland” (Friday editions) that extreme heatwaves are not just natural events to be passively observed; rather, they constitute a social emergency. Ehling criticized the federal government, stating that if it fails to act decisively, it is effectively accepting health damage and loss of life.
The Left Party politician specifically called for readily available access to drinking water, sunscreen, and protective spaces in public areas. He argued that those responsible for protecting human lives must stop merely watching and instead invest significantly in local municipalities, social infrastructure, and heat protection measures. Ehling added that the necessary funds exist, but they are currently being avoided in favor of protecting large fortunes and corporations, leaving vital health and human life issues neglected.
VdK President Verena Bentele also addressed the media, stating that extreme heat can be as lethal as extreme cold-a fact she believes remains underappreciated by many officials. She emphasized that people without fixed residences require access to safe, cooled shelters and clean, cool water. Bentele suggested that public drinking fountains could play a crucial role in meeting this need. She urgently called for these fountains to be functional tested and installed more frequently in the coming months.
