Climate pilots in Frankfurt: Heat endangers the health of citizens!

Climate pilots in Frankfurt: Heat endangers the health of citizens!

In Hesse, the heat is a current issue that not only affects the weather, but also affects people's health. There are currently 23 climate controllers working in Frankfurt who have just been certified after two months of training. Its goal is to prepare citizens for future heat and extreme weather events. As hessenschau.de reports, these climate pilots give lectures in clubs and cultural centers in particular to promote health literacy in the area of ​​climate.

Peter Tinnemann, the head of the health department, emphasizes the importance of citizens' actions. This makes it all the more important to inform people and make them aware of how to deal with rising temperatures. The focus is particularly on equal health opportunities, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, older people and people with previous illnesses. The aim is to also reach those who have little access to information.

Climate change as a health threat

But the challenge goes far beyond local initiatives. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers climate change to be “the greatest health threat to humanity.” A whole range of health risks are triggered by extreme weather events such as droughts and heat waves, which can put particular strain on the cardiovascular system. The Robert Koch Institute points out that particularly vulnerable groups can suffer serious health consequences. These include old people, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses.

Climate change also impacts social determinants of health, such as access to medical care. This has far-reaching consequences, especially for marginalized population groups who are often disadvantaged in terms of access and information.

Integrative approaches to combat the heat

Fortunately, there is also a coordinated response to this challenge. An interdepartmental working group for climate change and health was set up at the RKI to bundle scientific work. It is crucial to use current research and evidence to shape and advance healthcare policy and practice.

Also relevant are the forecasts that predict significant health risks from climate change. With a synthesis of current evidence created by over 90 authors from various institutions, experts seek to gain a better understanding of the effects of climate change on human health. In addition to physical illnesses, psychological stress such as stress and anxiety can also increase as a result of the changed environmental conditions. What is particularly alarming is that these changes could also affect the quality of drinking water and food, which poses additional health risks, as the Federal Environment Agency states.

The current heatwave shows once again how urgent the issues of climate change and health are. The clever minds behind the climate pilots in Frankfurt have the right instinct to support the population with knowledge and information. In this way we can work together for a healthier and more informed future.