The effects of climate change have long been felt in Japan too: the number of heat victims, including heat-related deaths, is increasing year on year. Added to this is the rapidly ageing population, which further exacerbates the problem. In addition to children and the chronically ill, older people are particularly at risk from prolonged heat. Japan's Ministry of the Environment, which is to lead the government's countermeasures, therefore faces a major and important task: the Japanese government's goal is to halve the number of deaths caused by heat. In order to achieve this goal, the Japanese delegation is currently seeking information and experience in the implementation of heat protection strategies in Baden-Württemberg.
Exchange on the heat action plan: Ludwigsburg district leads the way
The district of Ludwigsburg, which was the first district in Baden-Württemberg to publish a heat action plan last year, is regarded as a pioneer in this area. The exchange with the district of Ludwigsburg is therefore of particular interest to the Japanese delegates. The guests were welcomed by Dr. Karlin Stark, Head of the Department of Health and Consumer Protection at the Ludwigsburg District Office, three of her employees and Dr. Robin Maitra, the Climate Protection Officer of the State Medical Association, who completes the "Heat Action Plan Team". Among other things, the exchange focused on the specific measures of the heat action plan, municipal networking and public relations work in the area of heat prevention and the challenges of establishing a heat protection strategy at district level.
