More municipalities in the Netherlands are developing local heat plans to protect residents from the effects of rising temperatures. The Red Cross and the Climate Alliance report that the number of municipalities with a plan, or working on one, increased from 90 to 128 last year. They describe this as a step in the right direction, but say every municipality should adopt such measures.
According to the organisations, summers in the Netherlands are becoming hotter, making it essential to safeguard people during periods of extreme heat. They highlight the risks for vulnerable groups, including older people, young children, pregnant women, people with physical or mental conditions, and those experiencing homelessness. They warn that the health impact of heat is still often underestimated and can lead to serious illness or death.
Red Cross director Harm Goossens said municipalities have a key role in supporting people in vulnerable situations, such as older people living alone, during heatwaves. He also pointed to longer-term measures that can benefit all residents, including the creation of shaded or cooled areas and the installation of public water taps.
The Netherlands has 342 municipalities in total. Of these, 214 do not yet have a local heat plan or are still developing one. The Red Cross and the Climate Alliance say they hope these areas will follow and put protective measures in place.
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