Climate change: Europe's first heat officer | DW Documentary

Eleni Myrivili has the mammoth task of ensuring the survival of Athens. As the city's newly appointed "chief heat officer," she is working on ways to prepare the Greek capital for the consequences of climate change. That's no small feat: The city has 3 million residents — and is almost unbearable in summer.

One possible solution to the heat problem dates all the way back to antiquity: Hadrian's Aqueduct, a subterranean tunnel constructed under Roman rule stretches nearly 20 kilometers (12 miles) under Athens. Water from this tunnel will be used to irrigate parks across the city, creating a cool green corridor. But Eleni Myrivili's tasks are not limited to city planning. She is also responsible for providing emergency aid for people directly affected by the heat. Despite the ever-worsening situation, she has observed a worrying trend: Many people in Athens still accept the heat and climate change as fate. Can Myrivili change people's perceptions? A report by Gunnar Köhne.

#documentary #dwdocumentary #report #climatechange #Greece
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[samwise]

The narrator absolutely loves saying this woman's name.

[andronicemarinis]

We used to talk about this exact problem in the 80s. They covered up all the rivers running through the city, resulting in desert like microclimate.

[sirius]

"How will Athens survive"?
Only if half of its inhabitants move back to the countryside and every other block of flats is demolished and it's being replaced by green areas.
The city needs to breathe.
Anyway, most of these blocks of flats are "sick" buildings that were built with cheap materials in the 60s and the 70s and they are full of humidity during the winter because they dont get heated properly.

[sbclaridge]

I’ve noticed that Athens, and many other Greek cities, tend to use a lot of concrete and paved surfaces. Green space, where used, tends to be around sites of historical and/or cultural importance.

Within the center of Athens (the Municipality of Athens), the only significant green spaces are around the Acropolis, Pedion tou Areos, Lycabettus Hill, the National Garden, the Attican Grove, and Plato’s Academy Park. The lack of green space is even more pronounced in some of the other cities in the greater Athens region, like Pireas, Kallithea, and Peristeri.

[piotrwismont]

I will never forget about Irini Mirivili. Thanks DW 😎😎

[timw]

I didn’t quite get that, what’s her name again?

[lzrd]

Excellent doc. I live in a small village north-east of Thessaloniki, the second city of Greece. When I moved here twelve years ago, the weather was just what I needed- breezy and warm. And now our summers are airless and hot. My village is in the mountains so the heat we now have is hard on us. Thank goodness the humidity level has not risen as high as the temperature! But we suffer. I have no air conditioning but I know I will need to put it in soon. I see so many of the village houses are using air conditioning which only makes the surrounding temperature rise. We, all of us, must do what we can to stop our planet from overheating. Unfortunately, I do not see many people actively doing anything about it. I’m 71 years old and am very sad about how my life has changed here in the village. And winters have changed as well. Twelve years ago I slept all night with my windows ajar, to let in fresh air. Now our winters are fierce with horrible winds, freezing snowstorms and dampness. Why are people not concerned enough to force politicians to try to prevent this climate change? I am sad for the world I grew up in. Thank you for spotlighting Athens. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[sachinrv]

We human beings are pretty IDIOTS. First we destroy, and then try to re-build / salvage the things we have destroied. I m talking about mother nature. Wonderful doc as always.

[its_konna]

I live in Athens and I can confirm everything about Athens that was said in the video.
On a more positive note, this year's summer was pretty cool/normal (for Greek standards) compared to the previous ones, without AS MANY wildfires and very horrible heatwaves.

[lesleyburgon]

I have lived in Italy for 35 years, where it is equally unbearable for a good portion of the year. What we need in my view is: less corruption, more education and TREES. Otherwise, there is a serious chance of many areas here becoming uninhabitable.

[nevarran]

"It's so hot that I get dizzy and feel like throwing up. But when I put my feet in water it goes away. So it's all good." Funny and sad at the same time.

[kriskruz]

Where I live in the UK many people choose to dig up their lawns and gardens and concrete them over. This year we have also seen record temperatures and I think there is a link.

[FindMeOnABeach]

I know this is a serious documentary, but I laughed SO HARD every time the narrator said Eleni Myrivili, I had tears streaming down my face!!! 🤣🤣🤣I was barely able to explain what this is even about.

[ReallyHappened]

In Morocco there is a water shortage so green spaces are so lacking, I so miss seeing the green, a plan needs to be made here too, it is getting hotter and hotter with each passing year.

[sharonp.]

I feel so fortunate to live in the most forested state in the USA. We rarely have extreme heat waves and when we do, the forests minimize the impact of heat and water degradation.

[simonecromer]

I'm so happy I was able to visit Athens in July 2021 as some Covid-19 travel restrictions lifted. My tourist lines were not as bad as shown in this video. But it was hot, I didn't mind because I was so happy to be there. I appreciate the climate change manager's work.

[oqkdsi]

Athens always had high temperatures during summer. But it used to be more windy and dry.
In the last years summers had fewer windy days, bringing increased humidity and making the climate almost tropical.

[Pobotrol]

"Take the cars out", the most sensible suggestion here.

[roman]

Unbelievable people value their car more than their life including their kids.

[cerveza]

Someone needs to count how many times he says her name. This video may go viral as a drinking game. 🍸