CDU faction proposes forestation of Tempelhofer Field - Conservative Political Group Advocates for Woodland on Tempelhofer Field
In a bid to bolster the city's resilience against heatwaves, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) faction in Berlin has put forth a series of proposals aimed at improving heat protection and air quality. These measures, intended for consideration in the 2024 heat action plan, are part of the CDU's broader commitment to climate resilience and administrative reform.
Key proposals include the creation of a climate forest on parts of Tempelhofer Field, the expansion of green roofs and facades, and the planting of shade-giving urban trees to improve the microclimate of city quarters and air quality. The CDU also advocates for the implementation of heat-adapted construction methods in public construction projects, particularly in education and kindergarten areas.
Recognising the importance of communication, the CDU faction believes that heat warnings from the German Weather Service (DWD) should be better communicated in Berlin. They propose informing Berliners via public transport passenger information systems, digital platforms, and media about heat waves and associated health risks.
The CDU's concern for public health extends to the protection of vulnerable populations. Measures such as shaded playgrounds and kindergartens, the free provision of drinking water in and around school buildings, and the optimisation of BVG waiting shelters for better protection from direct sunlight on hot days are all part of the CDU's proposals.
In the event of a hospital crisis, the CDU proposes relocating operating and intensive care capacities to protected areas if necessary. The CDU also advocates for equipping new S-Bahn trains with air conditioning to provide relief during hot commutes.
The CDU's proposals are not limited to these measures alone. They also call for the creation of a digital map showing cool spots in the city, which would be made publicly accessible. This initiative aims to help Berliners find respite from the heat more easily.
The CDU's focus on administrative reform is evident in their belief that there is room for improvement in heat protection. Recent administrative reforms led by the CDU aim to improve governance and coordination across the city for better service delivery, which could indirectly impact the heat action plan's effectiveness by clarifying responsibilities between the Senate and districts.
The CDU's proposals, while not yet fully detailed, align with the growing emphasis at the national level on addressing heat risks through health protection measures as part of broader climate resilience efforts. As the CDU continues to refine and present their proposals, Berlin residents can look forward to a city better equipped to handle extreme heat events.
- The Parliament's resolution on the Commission communication on the future of the European Union could potentially include the CDU's proposal for addressing climate-change and enhancing environmental-science by focusing on protecting cities from heatwaves, such as through the creation of a climate forest, expanding green roofs and facades, and promoting heat-adapted construction methods.
- The general-news coverage on the CDU's policy-and-legislation initiatives in Berlin might highlight their proposals for improving air quality and mitigating climate-change effects, such as ensuring better communication of heat warnings, protecting vulnerable populations with shaded playgrounds and kindergartens, and optimizing public transportation for comfort during hot commutes.
- As the discourse on politics and governance evolves at the national level, discussions might include the CDU's efforts towards climate resilience and environmental-science, specifically their commitment to improved heat protection and air quality in urban areas, demonstrated by their proposals for establishing a digital map of cool spots in the city for the public's convenience.
