Austria and Germany seek heat protection for schools and kindergartens

This summer’s heatwaves with temperatures above 30 °C have strained early‑childhood education in Austria. Kindergarten educators, led by Belinda Ratz, warn that makeshift shade structures and water play are insufficient and call for structural solutions such as air‑conditioning and greener outdoor spaces. The Carinthian state government has earmarked €4 million until 2027 for rapid assistance to kindergartens, schools and primary schools, but teachers deem the funding inadequate for long‑term safety.

In nearby Germany, schools in the city of Trier and the Trier‑Saarburg district report indoor temperatures reaching the mid‑30s °C, making classroom instruction difficult. Teachers lack ceiling fans or cooling equipment, and the regional education authority has not supplied data on school‑room temperatures or drinking‑water facilities. Officials point to a 2023 heat‑action plan that outlines short‑, medium‑ and long‑term measures, yet concrete implementation remains unclear.