
Across Europe, heatwaves are becoming longer, more frequent, and more intense. Extreme heat is already the leading cause of climate-related deaths on the continent. It places people’s health, city infrastructure, and daily life at risk. As temperatures continue to rise, cities must take urgent action to prepare.
Heat Action Day on June 2nd, 2025, is a key moment for cities and communities to raise awareness and strengthen their response to this growing threat.
What Is Heat Action Day?
Launched in 2022, Heat Action Day is a global day of awareness and action on extreme heat. It is led by Red Cross Red Crescent National Societies and their partners. The goal is to mobilise cities, communities, and organisations to take simple, life-saving steps to protect people from heat-related illness.
Although June 2nd may not coincide with peak heat in every region, this coordinated date creates a shared global moment. It brings greater visibility to the risks of extreme heat and inspires communities everywhere to prepare and respond.
Each year, Heat Action Day carries a theme that focuses attention on a specific area of heat risk. In 2025, the theme is "Recognising and Responding to Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke". Heatwaves are silent killers, and many people fail to recognise the early warning signs. This year’s focus is on making that knowledge more accessible so that more people can act in time.
Cities are encouraged to use creative, inclusive approaches to engage the public, through workshops, media campaigns, educational materials, and more.
The risk of extreme heat in cities
Urban areas absorb and retain more heat due to materials like concrete and asphalt. These urban heat islands can be several degrees warmer than nearby green areas. A paved square may reach 35°C while a nearby park stays at 28°C. These differences are uncomfortable and life-threatening.
High temperatures increase the risk of dehydration, heat stroke, respiratory problems, and even death. Older adults, children, and people with chronic illnesses are especially vulnerable.
These public health risks demand local leadership and widespread awareness - that's where Heat Action Day comes in.
How to join Heat Action Day as a city
Local governments can play a leading role in marking Heat Action Day. Here are four ways cities and towns can take part:
1. Light a Landmark in Orange
Use public buildings or monuments to draw attention to the issue. This visual cue encourages public discussion and highlights the local commitment to climate action. In Europe, the cities of Geneva and Rotterdam are already planning to light key landmarks.
2. Share Local Heat Safety Tips
Help residents stay safe by sharing guidance on hydration, rest, and identifying heat-related symptoms. Include information on local cooling centres and support services. Check out the #BeatTheHeat Communications Toolkit from the Red Cross to communicate around the risks of heatwaves for people's health.
3. Organise Community Events
Run first aid demonstrations or host public workshops to discuss past heat events and build awareness. These events promote learning and practical preparation.
4. Map Heat Risks with Residents
Engage the community in identifying hotspots and vulnerable areas. This supports better planning and encourages local ownership of climate resilience.
If you plan to participate, don't forget to register your action!
Join our #CitiesRefresh Campaign
Participating in Heat Action Day is part of a broader effort to make cities more resilient. Solutions like planting more trees, expanding green spaces, installing reflective surfaces, and providing shaded public areas are already being adopted by cities and towns across Europe.
Heat Action Day is the chance to shed light on the longstanding work many cities are already doing to #HitRefresh.
Join our #CitiesRefresh campaign to showcase what your city is doing on the long-term to #BeatTheHeat.
Details
- Publication date
- 28 May 2025