Climate change: Heatwave costs the German economy billions
Key takeaways
- Never before has a June been as hot in Germany as in 2026.
- https://p.dw.com/p/5Fzu2Berlin is expecting record temperatures this weekend Image: Florian Gaertner/photothek.de/picture alliance Advertisement.
- Effective cooling is still relatively uncommon in Germany.
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
Never before has a June been as hot in Germany as in 2026. This has consequences not only for people and nature, but also for businesses. Heat reduces productivity and causes illness, while cooling is expensive.
https://p.dw.com/p/5Fzu2Berlin is expecting record temperatures this weekend Image: Florian Gaertner/photothek.de/picture alliance Advertisement. A desk by the window, a building that faces south — during Germany's cold and dark season, sunlight and warmth are a clear advantage. In summer, however, such workstations, without shading and air conditioning, can become unbearably hot. As a result of climate change, heatwaves of up to 40 degrees Celcius are now occurring in Germany more frequently — and lasting longer.
Effective cooling is still relatively uncommon in Germany. While air conditioning is considered virtually standard in the United States, it is present in just 6% of private households in Germany. By contrast, 50% of office and administrative buildings are now equipped with cooling systems.