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Heatwave Threat Prompts Simple Curtain Hacks in AmsterdamAs a scorching heatwave sweeps the Netherlands, the city of Amsterdam has activated its national heatwave plan and is urging households to adopt low‑cost shading measures. Eline Coolen, heat coordinator at the city’s public health institute, recommends rigging temporary curtain rails or draping curtains and sheets over windows to block solar radiation.DIY Exterior Shading: Curtains, Sheets, and Temporary RailsCoolen’s viral social‑media post sparked a wave of do‑it‑yourself solutions, from hanging curtains on exterior rails to installing makeshift blinds inspired by practices in Barcelona. Researchers are also testing “fake trees,” pergolas with climbing plants, and mobile “jungle blocks” to create shade on streets and pavements.Heat‑Related Mortality and Economic Cost FiguresCurrent estimates: 110 heat‑related deaths per year in Amsterdam, potentially rising to 600 without intervention.Economic impact: a single night of sleep loss due to heat can cost up to €200 per person, translating into significant productivity losses for the city.Survey data: 23% of homeowners report their homes become uncomfortably hot during heatwaves, though four‑in‑five have already tried personal cooling measures.Broader Implications for Urban Design and Public Health in the NetherlandsThe RIVM outlines three tiers of action: behavioural changes, building‑level retrofits, and urban‑scale design. Experts like Bert Blocken stress that exterior solar shading is the most effective passive cooling strategy, while green roofs, street trees, and expanded parks enhance overall resilience.Future Outlook: Scaling Shade Solutions and Policy MeasuresOfficials suggest that mandatory exterior shading could become a new building code requirement. Continued investment in green infrastructure and public awareness campaigns is expected to lower heat‑related mortality and improve economic productivity as climate‑induced heatwaves become more frequent.