Heat Action Day
Climate change is turning up the heat around the world. But together, we can #BeatTheHeat! Heat Action Day on 2 June is a global day for raising awareness of heat risks and sharing simple ways to #BeatTheHeat.
Why do we need a Heat Action Day?
These two children, walking beneath a sun umbrella in a drought-affected part of Mozambique, offer an example of the solutions people often resort to in order protect themselves during extreme heat. With heatwaves getting more frequent and intense, IFRC says more must be done to help people adapt.
Photo: Aurélie Marrier d’Unienville/IFRC
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. They are getting both hotter and longer. A new report co-developed for Heat Action Day 2024 by Climate Central, World Weather Attribution, and the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre details how climate change has driven extreme heat in the last 12 months.
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.
2025 Theme: Recognizing and responding to heat stroke
The theme of Heat Action Day 2025 is “how to recognize heat exhaustion and heat stroke”. To ensure everyone knows how to prevent and respond to heat stroke, we invite you to creatively engage your local community.
Already, communities are mobilizing with an entire day of activities. Join in or create your own, then let us know what you're planning by visiting the registration page.
- Cities will light up their public landmarks in orange to mark Heat Action Day
- Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies and partner organizations create events, skits, plays, games, etc. to demonstrate how to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke in public places, and how to help.
- Engage experts, media, movers and shakers to spread the word about recognizing the signs of, preventing and treating heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- In advance of Heat Action Day, we are encouraging people around the world to send in cartoons, drawings, paintings, data visualizations related to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. IFRC will create an online project booklet from this to be shared widely.
Get involved: Help people #BeatTheHeat!
A volunteer from the Indian Red Cross hands out water to two people during a heatwave.
Photo: Indian Red Cross Society
Organize a local cultural and arts initiative
Organize cultural events, art exhibitions, or performances that raise awareness about heat risks and promote community resilience. Use creative mediums such as music, theater, or visual arts to convey messages about the importance of heat safety and climate adaptation.
Share info about heat risks on social media
Help spread the word about heat risks on your social media channels. You can use the hashtag #BeatTheHeat to join the conversation and spread the word about this important issue.