Climate crisis: Austria's apartments become unbearable heat traps!

Climate crisis: Austria's apartments become unbearable heat traps!

On June 12, 2025, a survey on behalf of Greenpeace shows that two thirds of the Austrians find their apartments "hot to unbearably hot" during heat waves. Marc Dengler, climate and energy expert at Greenpeace Austria, warns that the climate crisis transforms apartments, especially in unaffected or poorly renovated buildings, into extreme heat waves. This not only affects the quality of living, but also on the health of people.

The negative balance of the heat is shown in sleep problems, health damage and an overall reduced quality of life. According to the survey, 80 percent of the respondents report physical consequences during heat waves. Older people and children are particularly affected. The results show that two out of five people suffer from sleep problems or reduced performance; Each fifth person complains of circulatory complaints.

Health risks from heat waves

The climate crisis leads to more frequent and more intense heat waves that endanger people's health, according to [taz.de]. A current study shows that not only older, weak people are affected, but also the middle -aged people in the global north, which age faster due to extreme heat. These findings come from researchers at the University of Southern California, who examined over 3,600 US Americans aged 56 and over.

The analysis of their blood samples revealed that the biological age of the subject: inside was influenced by environmental factors such as stress and lack of sleep and has accelerated in regions with frequent heat days for up to 14 months. Short heat waves also had significant effects on the aging process.

demands for change

In Austria, over half of the measures surveyed, such as refrigeration, greening and renaturation, calls for combating the heat. Four out of ten people want increased government investments in thermal renovations, especially in view of budget cuts that could endanger existing renovation measures.

experts also warn of the health consequences of extreme heat. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) emphasizes that people in particular are old age, people with previous illnesses and pregnant women among the risk groups. Climate change affects not only the immediate physical health, but also social determinants such as access to health care.

The RKI increases its efforts to investigate the health effects of heat and has initiated a working group for climate change and health in order to bundle scientific work in this area and to develop corresponding strategies. The demands on sustainable urban planning to promote cooler living are clear - it is time to take the necessary steps.