Education trade unions call for heat protection measures
“There must be uniform occupational health and safety rules for students and school employees,” said Anja Bensinger-Stolze, a GEW board member, in an interview with RND journalists.
Bensinger-Stolze stressed the need for a “nationwide supply of free drinking water” for all children and employees and to implement first aid and safety training on managing heat-related issues.
Gerhard Brand from the VBE suggested using outside spaces during hot weather if feasible and called on school authorities to adapt buildings to ensure learning continues during high temperatures.
July 1, 2025
German hospitals seek funding for retrofitting
Due to the ongoing heat wave, German hospitals are requesting additional funding to improve clinics.
“Severe heat issues challenge hospitals and staff. Due to insufficient investment budgets, only a few hospitals have air-conditioned rooms,” said DKG’s Gerald Gaß, in an interview with the Rheinische Post.
“We require a long-term climate protection and adaptation plan to renovate older buildings,” he said, emphasizing the need for measures to protect patients and staff from climate change effects.
Currently, hospitals rely on measures such as shading facades and cooling packs,” Gaß explained.
Europe is experiencing an early and extreme heat wave, with temperatures expected to reach 40 degrees in Germany this week.
