However, in recent years Germany's stagnant economy and other issues, such as immigration, have topped the public agenda.

"Now, discussion will fade after the extreme weather passes," said Cheng, who thinks raising public awareness on climate change remains a big challenge.

"Without more media exposure, many people tend to feel they are doing it alone, and they feel that their efforts are meaningless," she said.

"But actually, an individual's green efforts and sustainable purchasing habits pass on strong incentives to companies, and do make positive changes in production and supply chains."

Cheng added: "If our ways of life are not sustainable, we are depriving the rights of our next generation, because extreme weather will become normal weather in the next 20 to 30 years. But if all of us act together, we've still got a chance to avert the worst future scenarios."