Swimming pools in Berlin have found a creative way to make a political point about Germany’s reliance on Russian gas, by turning the temperature of their outdoor swimming pools down.
Germany’s dependence on imports of Russian gas has gained a lot of attention over the past few months since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. While countries have called on Germany to stop imports, government ministers have said that the country is not prepared for such a measure at this time.
In response, some Germans have taken matters into their own hands, not only to lessen reliance on Russia, but also due to the surging price of home utilities. A growing number of people are trying to use less gas and electricity by turning down the heating, switching off lights and taking shorter showers. But now, Berlin’s swimming pools are joining the push to cut reliance on Russian gas as well.
The Berliner Bäderbetriebe (BBB), which is in charge of running the city’s open air swimming pools, has committed to turning the temperature down this year by approximately two degrees Celsius, in support of Ukraine. The temperature of indoor pools will also be reduced by around one degree.
Not only is the move allowing Berlin to reduce its reliance on imported gas, but it is also beneficial to the environment too. “We want to make a contribution to reducing dependence on Russian natural gas supplies,” said the CEO of BBB, Johannes Kleinsorg, in a recent press conference.
The BBB said that the temperature change should be barely felt by swimmers at its facilities, but it would make a strong political statement about reducing the country’s dependence on Russia in the wake of the conflict. The reduction will save around 20 percent in energy. It will not affect pools that are powered with renewable energy, such as the solar-powered pools in Gropiusstadt, Pankow and Mariendorf - these pools will remain at the normal temperature.