Extreme Heat Taking Toll on Health in Germany, Survey Shows, as Protests Mount

One in three people in Germany has already experienced health problems caused by extreme heat, according to a DAK-Forsa survey published Monday. The poll reveals a stark gender gap: 40 percent of women reported heat-related health issues, compared with 21 percent of men. Fatigue topped the symptom list at 71 percent, followed by sleep problems (68 percent), circulation complaints (64 percent) and headaches (52 percent). Three-quarters of respondents rated existing heat protection measures as inadequate.

The survey results landed as students at Saarbrücken’s University of Applied Sciences (HTW) took their frustrations onto campus in an eye-catching protest. Dressed in bathrobes and hauling a temporary outdoor sauna, they chanted “Saunieren statt Studieren” — “Sauna instead of studying” — to highlight what they call unbearable learning conditions in sweltering classrooms. AStA representative Ronja Wachall said: “Heat protection is not a matter of comfort but a basic requirement for successful learning. The climate crisis has long since arrived on campus.” Students are demanding free access to air-conditioned rooms, drinking water dispensers, more fans and shaded areas. Longer term, they want a heat protection plan that includes unsealing paved surfaces and more greenery.

HTW president Dieter Leonhard expressed sympathy. “On the substance, there is no disagreement,” he said. The university is providing nearly 100 standing fans, expanding home-office and online teaching options, and exploring the creation of dedicated cooling zones.

Meanwhile, trade unions are pressing for outdoor workers’ safety. IG BAU, the construction and agriculture union, reminds employers of the WSS guideline: water, sunscreen, shade. Their recommendation: three to five litres of fluid daily, a glass of water every 15 to 20 minutes, sunscreen with SPF 50 reapplied every two hours. In the state of Mecklenburg, the union is calling for a “drinks flat rate” for everyone working outdoors.

Even without extreme heat, UK employers have a legal duty to assess workplace risks – including heat stress. Missing or incomplete health and safety documentation can lead to significant fines. A free Health & Safety Toolkit provides immediately usable risk assessment templates, checklists, and toolbox talks to help you comply with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and protect your employees. Download the free Health & Safety Toolkit

In Bietigheim-Bissingen, parent representatives sent a letter to the city administration Tuesday demanding fans, water dispensers and adjusted timetables for schools. The city cited financial constraints and noted an existing heat protection commission.

Data from a new urban climate dashboard for the Saarland region illustrates the infrastructure challenges. While Saarlouis offers the most access to green spaces, gaps appear in towns like Schmelz and Lebach. The most critical issue: soil sealing. In Dillingen, 80.5 percent of surfaces are sealed; in Saarlouis, 76.5 percent. The Saarland Chamber of Architects is calling for faster action — such as the water mist systems already installed at Gutenbergplatz in Saarlouis.

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