Offenburg ranks lowest in German heat‑readiness study

The Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) released its annual “Heat‑Check”, evaluating 195 German cities with more than 50,000 residents on summer temperatures, population density, extent of green space, and the amount of sealed surfaces. The assessment, based on aerial imagery, found Offenburg in Baden‑Württemberg to be the least prepared for heatwaves, scoring only about 13 % for tree‑shaded area – the lowest among all cities examined.

Kiel and Wuppertal performed best, achieving a “shade degree” of roughly 32 % and receiving green lights in two of three rating categories. Even the top‑ranking cities are seeing an increase in sealed surfaces and a loss of trees; across all cities more than 900,000 trees have disappeared since 2018. DUH executive Barbara Metz urged Federal Construction Minister Verena Hubertz to issue binding rules for de‑sealing, more urban greenery, and increased shade in all new and renovated building projects.