Athens leader emphasizes strategies for city's endurance amidst intense temperatures

Trees, cooling centers, water stations - all three are on Haris Doukas' mind as he sits in his office-turned-control centre atop city hall. As mayor of Athens's top priority is to ensure that its residents survive this hot summer. After a record-breaking June, the city has already experienced extreme temperatures and wildfires.

Barely six months into his role, Mayor Doukas is focused on planting trees in order to reduce heat in Athens. The green neighborhood can experience up to 5% lower temperatures during heatwaves. He previously taught energy policy before being appointed by the social democrat Pasok party. However, survival isn't just about quality of life - it's crucial for Athens's residents due to significant loss of natural green spaces over recent years.

Doukas is no newcomer when it comes to climate change and its effects. He believes that the best aspect of his job lies in improving citizens' lives, turning Athens into a more sustainable and resilient city. However, he admits there are concerns ahead - survival depends on what actions they take now.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has warned that this summer could be particularly dangerous due to climate change effects like hotter weather. In response, Athens's city hall opened air-conditioned public spaces and extended a program for home care support for the elderly during heatwaves.

Retirees Efi Petropoulou and Rena Papadaki note that it feels different in Athens compared to their childhood experiences. They say they used to cope with hot weather by closing shutters and using fans, but now rely on air-conditioning for comfort.

Aliki Kirmitsa attests the community centers' importance for elderly residents during heatwaves. She visits one of seven centers in central Athens daily. Greek citizens are increasingly checking weather updates through mobile apps and adjusting their travel plans accordingly - with more tourists heading north to cooler climates such as Scandinavia.

Doukas's goal is to plant 5,000 trees by year-end, a total of 25,000 during his term, hoping to reduce pollution, lower temperatures and improve air quality in Athens.