Extreme Heat in Germany Leads to 36 Billion Euro Loss
· Dünya Gazetesi
According to a Greenpeace report, extreme heat and drought this year have caused losses in the German economy amounting to 36 billion euros, approximately 0.9% of GDP.
The Heavy Economic Bill of the Heatwave
According to an analysis titled 'The Cost of an Extreme Hot Summer for Germany' prepared by Greenpeace, the extreme heat and drought experienced in the country this year have caused at least 36 billion euros in damages. According to the organization's data, this total cost corresponds to approximately 0.8% to 0.9% of Germany's gross domestic product. Due to approximately 25 extremely hot days recorded during the summer period, production disruptions occurred in the business world, and a direct productivity loss of 10 billion 800 million euros was calculated.
Drought's Blow to Agriculture and Sectors
According to the analysis results, the cost of the climate crisis for agricultural production reached 3 billion 400 million euros. Damage to forest assets due to drought stress and forest fires amounted to between 5 billion and 7 billion 500 million euros. The cost of human casualties to the health economy was 6 billion 900 million euros, with additional treatment expenses at 1 billion 540 million euros. The drying up of the Rhine River imposed an additional burden of 3 billion 400 million to 4 billion 500 million euros on logistics. Losses in transport infrastructure were determined to be between 1 billion 800 million and 3 billion 700 million euros, and in education, 3 billion 200 million euros.
Hidden Risks Not Included in Calculations
Greenpeace experts noted that due to incomplete data flow, some indicators could not be included in the analysis, and the stated 36 billion euros is a conservative lower limit. Long-term effects of cooling water supply disruptions for power plants and ozone pollution could not be reflected in the bill. Greenpeace Finance Expert Mauricio Vargas stated that although the drought did not leave visible wreckage, it resulted in a devastating cost for the country and called on the government to take concrete steps against the climate crisis.