Germany has experienced a significant increase in the number of hot days, according to recent data published by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). The study reveals that in the summer of 2023, around 3,100 people lost their lives due to extreme heat. The number of hot days has tripled since the 1950s, with a hot day defined as a day with a minimum temperature of 30 degrees Celsius. Last year, approximately 8,000 people in Germany lost their lives due to extreme heat, while the RKI estimates that around 4,500 people died in the summer of 2022.
The majority of heat-related deaths occurred among seniors aged 85 and above, with women being more vulnerable than men due to their higher proportion in this age group. However, the number of heat-related deaths has decreased compared to the previous year, with 4,500 deaths recorded in 2022. The RKI emphasizes that the published figures are estimates based on a combination of mortality data from the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) and temperature records from the German Weather Service (DWD). This is because heat-related deaths are often caused by the exacerbation of pre-existing conditions rather than direct heat exposure.
In response to the rising number of heat-related deaths, the German government has introduced measures to reduce the impact of extreme heat. These include increased public awareness of the risks of heat exposure, recommendations for protective measures, and alerts for high temperatures. The government also plans to distribute information posters on heat prevention measures in medical facilities, including doctor’s offices and nursing homes. The aim is to reduce the number of heat-related deaths and protect vulnerable populations from the effects of extreme heat.
