Heat prevention strategies and their evaluation methods: A qualitative assessment of selected heat-health action plans from urban areas in Germany and Europe
Study objective
Higher and longer exposure to heat often in combination with high night-time temperatures (‘tropical nights’) have effects on human health, leading to higher mortality rates increased emergency department visits, and insufficient recovery phases.
In the aftermaths of the heat wave in 2003, various countries, including several European countries, have adopted heat-health action plans (HHAP) aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of extreme heat events. The aim of the project is to describe important elements of heat-health action plans and their evaluations.
Specific objectives
- Assessment of 5-10 heat-health action plans and their evaluations from Germany and European regions with temperate climatic conditions, median age and population density comparable to Germany
- Identify elements (health-related prevention measures) of heat-health action plans
- Investigating the methodology of evaluations of selected heat-health action plans in Europe
Study design
Qualitative, descriptive review of heat-health action plans and evaluation documents
Study population:
Countries with climate patterns similar to Germany will be selected based on criteria including population density, and age structure, climate classification and temperature trends:
- Similar population density and age structure: Regions with population densities and age structures resembling Germany’s will be prioritized
- Comparable climate zones: Countries or regions with comparable climate to Germany will be considered
- Similar temperature increase history: Regions that have faced analogous heat temperature increases will be included
From these countries, 5 to 10 heat-health action plans from urban areas are selected to compare their heat prevention measures, political framework conditions and methods of evaluations.
Project Duration
2024-2025
Project Team
Senior Author: Prof. Dr. Barbara Hoffmann
Manuscript: Hanna Kaufhold
Analysis: Hanna Kaufhold
Data Management: Hanna Kaufhold