Over 5,000 heat-related deaths recorded in Germany this year

The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) in Germany announced that the country has recorded approximately 5,120 heat-related deaths this year, most of which occurred at the end of June when temperatures exceeded 30 degrees Celsius. Nearly 4,270 of the victims were aged 75 and over, and women were affected more than men.

These data add to an alarming trend at the European level, where the Copernicus Service reported the hottest June on record. Between June 20-28, other European countries, such as France and Belgium, reported over 4,700 excess deaths.

Green leader Katharina Droege criticized the German government for its lack of response and for weakening climate protection legislation, in the context of the 2027 budget redirecting funds intended for climate protection. Germany aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 65% by 2030, but current progress is insufficient, with only a 48% reduction achieved.