Heat Action Day
Climate change is turning up the heat around the world. But together, we can #BeatTheHeat! On 2 June, help us raise awareness of heat risks and share simple ways to #BeatTheHeat.
Why do we need a Heat Action Day?
Heat waves are deadly. Every year, they claim the lives of infants, older people, and people with chronic health conditions around the world. People living in cities and towns tend to be the hardest hit because urban areas are generally hotter than the surrounding countryside.
Due to climate change, heat waves are on the rise globally—getting both hotter and longer. But they don't need to lead to tragedy.
There are simple actions we can all take to protect ourselves, our neighbours, our family members and friends. These include drinking water, resting in the shade, and avoiding outdoor activity in the hottest part of the day.
Heat Action Day on 2 June is a chance to raise awareness about this silent emergency so more people worldwide can stay safe and #BeatTheHeat
How to get involved
Netherlands Red Cross volunteers go door-to-door to check upon older people during a scorching heatwave in summer 2018 and make sure they know how to stay safe and cool in the heat
Photo: Netherlands Red Cross
- Organize a local heat-related public demonstration or event: We encourage National Societies to organize a local event or activity that raises awareness about the dangers of extreme heat and how to prevent heat-related illnesses. This could include a public demonstration of first aid for heat strokes, water distribution, a community forum, a school visit on heat preparedness, or any other public engagement.
- Participate in IFRC's global social media campaign: Help spread the word about Heat Action on your social media channels. You could use hashtags such as #HeatActionDay23 or #BeatTheHeat to join the conversation and spread the word about this important issue.
- Organize a flash mob: A flash mob is a fun and creative way to draw attention to the issue of extreme heat. We encourage your society to organize a flash mob in a public space to raise awareness about the dangers of extreme heat and how to prevent heat-related illnesses. You can incorporate dance, music, or other forms of performance art to make your message even more impactful. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to do a flash mob.
Watch: #BeatTheHeat flash mobs around the world!
Partners
Heat Action Day 2022 was co-organized by the IFRC, Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre and Global Disaster Preparedness Center.
We were excited to have many National Societies and other organizations joining us to raise awareness of extreme heat!
- ENBEL brings together leaders in climate change and health research and they are sharing their best practices to #BeatTheHeat.
- The Global Heat Health Information Network (GHHIN) is a network of experts and policymakers working to reduce the health impacts of extreme heat on a warming planet.
- C40 Cities and their Cool Cities Network are supporting cities to tackle urban heat.
In addition to National Societies, we also had The European Emergency Circle, African News Agency, Beyond Plastic Nigeria, Punjab University, Christian Fellowship and Care Foundation, and Kathmandu University Youth Red Cross Circle organizing heat wave flash mobs around the world.