Psychiatrist on Solastalgie: Heatwave-Induced Homesickness in Germany

A psychiatrist writes about the psychological impact of Germany's first heatwave of the year, where temperatures reached 28°C by 9 a.m. He observes a collective failure to change behavior despite dystopian conditions. The heat has caused shriveled currants, stunted apples, and a scarcity of insects even in wild gardens. Water is becoming scarce, lakes are shrinking, and even a mountain lake at 1100 meters is no longer cooling. The author retreats to a darkened living room, noting the paradox of making winter plans during summer heat. The piece introduces the concept of 'Solastalgie'—a form of homesickness triggered by environmental change—as a way to understand the emotional response to extreme heat.