Climate Impacts

What shapes people’s engagement with heat risks?

09 January 2023

There are many actions that people may carry out to minimise the impacts of heatwaves and extreme heat: from personal protective actions during heat events (e.g. using a fan, lighter clothing), preparative measures (e.g. installing blinds or shutters), and other actions, like seeking out more information, moving location, or engaging in political action.

A new review paper shows that a very broad range of factors influence these behaviours, as well as perceptions about heat.

This includes contextual factors (like geography, physical environment and cultural influences), as well as personal level factors (like knowledge and awareness of risks, past experiences of heat, and pre-existing health conditions).

Communication about heat risks can do much to draw on these influences – including tailoring warning messages to resonate with personal factors, drawing on the role of trusted messengers and clearly attributing risks to climate change.

Reference article:

Authors: Niall McLoughlin, Candice Howarth, Ganga Shreedhar
Date: 9th January 2023

Changing behavioral responses to heat risk in a warming world: How can communication approaches be improved?

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Three-quarters of people (75%) believe the government needs to take climate change “seriously” – this means a focus preparing for the worst impacts of climate change, for instance, by making our homes more suited for the heat, and building better flood defences.
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Source: Climate Outreach
Author: Climate Outreach
Date: 14th July 2026

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