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Potsdam shines in the heat check: Green card for environmental awareness!
Potsdam achieved good results in the nationwide heat check with two green cards and one yellow card. Learn more!
Potsdam shines in the heat check: Green card for environmental awareness!
On June 12, 2025, it became clear that Potsdam performed well in the nationwide heat check conducted by German Environmental Aid (DUH). According to the results, which were developed in collaboration with Potsdamer Luftbild Umwelt Planning GmbH, the city received the Green Card twice for a relatively low proportion of sealed area as well as a considerable amount of trees, hedges and flowering areas. In comparison, Potsdam has to live with a yellow card for the average surface temperature of around 34.1 degrees between June and August.
The heat check analyzed satellite data from 190 cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants. Potsdam and cities such as Detmold, Ratingen and Jena do well because they have little surface sealing and a high volume of greenery. The study finds that 12 million people in Germany are exposed to extreme heat. Cities like Cottbus are particularly affected, as they record an average surface temperature of around 35.2 degrees and therefore receive a red card. Frankfurt an der Oder and Brandenburg an der Havel also share the yellow card with Potsdam.
Heat check: A look at the rankings
In total, 31 cities received a red card, 131 a yellow card, while only 28 cities were awarded a green card. Hattingen in North Rhine-Westphalia performs best, while Mannheim brings up the rear. The detailed list clearly shows that the proportion of sealed areas and the quality of green spaces are crucial for the climate in cities.
- Rote Karte: mehr als 50% versiegelte Fläche
- Gelbe Karte: 45-50% versiegelte Fläche
- Grüne Karte: unter 45% versiegelte Fläche
The DUH also points to the dramatic increase in sealed areas in German cities. Over 50 hectares are used for settlements and transport every day. This not only has an impact on temperatures, but also on the quality of life of residents. Large trees, essential to the cooling effect, are being lost in many urban areas.
The urgent call for change
Environmental aid is calling on the federal government to set binding goals to stop surface sealing by 2035. It's not enough to just watch the temperatures; Urban planning also urgently needs to be adapted to counteract the increase in heat stress. This could be promoted through projects such as “Healthy out and about in the city district” in Mannheim and Singen, which aim to create and maintain green spaces.
The results of the heat check are a clear mandate for city planners and politicians. It is important to show a good hand in planning urban spaces in order to significantly improve the quality of life and the urban climate. As temperatures rise, it is more important than ever to maintain a healthy balance between sealed areas and green spaces.