German health minister proposes warning system and concepts to deal with heat waves – media

Germany's health minister Karl Lauterbach is set to present first proposals for a national heat protection plan to better help the population in case of heat waves, reported news agency dpa. “With climate change, the occurrence of heat waves has become more and more likely,” said a paper seen by dpa. The minister proposes to provide care homes, communities, or hospitals with plans on how to deal with heat waves. Lauterbach aims to use a warning system by Germany's National Meteorological Service (DWD), which could trigger certain actions in the event of a heat wave. He also proposes to set up an inter-ministerial working group with the environment, transport and labour ministries, between others. 

“The elderly, people in need of care, people with previous illnesses, but also children, pregnant women and people who spend a lot of time outdoors for work or private purposes are at risk when heat waves hit Germany,” Lauterbach told Bild Zeitung. The minister had presented the idea for a heat protection plan earlier this month. Europe's recent extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, droughts and floods, have underlined the urgent need to prepare the continent for the worsening effects of climate change.