How Athens defends itself against the heat in the city

A large part of the population lives in the very densely built-up city center, where heat is stored and where higher temperatures are measured than in the surrounding area. A week ago, the Acropolis was closed to visitors from midday to 5 p.m. due to the heat. The city’s world-famous landmark was only accessible to visitors again in the early evening hours.

The Greek capital is considered the hottest city in Europe, ahead of suffering cities like Paris and Rome, which have already made heat headlines several times this year.

Athens Mayor Haris Doukas from the Socialist Party party ENTER has declared war on heat and climate change. In the Spiegel Doukas, who is also a professor of energy and climate policy, describes his plans for the metropolis of four million people. Of course, it’s not just about the heat, but also about preparing for fires or floods.

One approach is early warning systems using drones. This enables warnings to be sent to citizens’ cell phones if, for example, a fire breaks out on a nearby hill or a tidal wave is impending. But what happens when a heat wave threatens?

Water for dogs and cats

“Then new rules and procedures take effect: We stop heavy outdoor work during the hottest hours, when it’s 30+ degrees. We move garbage collection to other times. We open air-conditioned municipal rooms for citizens so that they can cool down. There is the “Extrema Athens” app, with the help of which everyone can check the climate risks at their location and is guided to the next cooler spot. And we also take care of animals in public spaces – for example Watering points for dogs and cats,” Doukas is quoted as saying.

In addition, Athens has started a huge greening program. In the past 2.5 years, 13,000 new trees have already been planted – there are expected to be 25,000 by the end of Doukas’ term of office (December 31, 2028). For this purpose, new parks were created. There are also so-called “rain gardens” based on the Copenhagen model, which can absorb rainwater very efficiently and in a natural way.

100 air conditioners will also be given away to the city’s poorest. Doukas: “In addition, we have our “Energy Poverty Office”: households that are particularly affected do not pay municipal fees, they receive an energy card with cheap offers for air conditioning systems, for example, and for some particularly needy single parents we provide free green electricity for 22 years – through an energy community that we have set up.”