Report: More people in Berlin at risk from heat in the future

In the future, more people in the capital will suffer from the effects of heat on their health, according to a report by Berlin's Senate Department for Health.

"Due to advancing climate change, the number, length and intensity of hot spells are increasing in Berlin," the report published Monday as part of the "Healthy Aging" series stated. At the same time, population forecasts for Berlin predicted that the number of elderly people (older than 65) would increase sharply. This would also increase the risk group, because: "Older people are considered particularly sensitive to heat."

Duration of hot spells is a decisive factor

Between 1985 and 2022, about 3700 heat-related deaths occurred in Berlin, according to the data. Almost two-thirds of those who died were 80 years old or older. The number of hot days throughout the year does not necessarily play a role. The more decisive factor is the duration of the hot spell: according to the report, the highest heat-related mortality in Berlin occurred in 1994, a year with 17 consecutive hot days.

Older people adapt less well to heat

The elderly are often less thirsty and their bodies do not adapt as easily to heat. "In addition, the elderly often suffer from pre-existing conditions, such as chronic cardiovascular or pulmonary disease and diabetes, which are associated with an increased risk of heat-related health effects," the report stated. According to the report, heat-related deaths often occur due to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases or strokes.

More hospital admissions from a daily average temperature of 21 degrees

The number of hospital admissions with a heat-related diagnosis increases significantly starting at an average daily temperature of 21 degrees. This was the result of an evaluation of inpatient hospital admissions between 2010 and 2020 as part of the Berlin Climate Consequence Monitoring. Specifically, this involves volume deficiency, for example. This refers to dehydration - either because people take in too little fluid or lose too much. "Hospitalizations due to volume deficiency occur particularly frequently on hot days in women aged 85 to 90 and men aged 80 to 85." This has been especially the case in years with prolonged hot spells in Berlin, he said.

Action alliance for heat protection active for one year

According to the Senate Department for Health, protecting the population and adapting to the increasing heat is a "high priority". Among other things, the Berlin Heat Protection Action Alliance is to help with this. When it was launched a year ago, the alliance focused primarily on the health sector: For example, it dealt with heat protection plans for hospitals. These include measures such as the correct storage of medicines when the normal room temperature is exceeded.