Topical Talk

Extreme heat: who is most affected?

Explore the consequences of rising temperatures

Collage of pages from the “Extreme heat: who is most affected?” teaching resource showing the cover and lesson plan

Published 17 July 2026

About this lesson

Extreme heat has swept across parts of the world in 2026, with record-breaking temperatures affecting hundreds of millions of people. But although everyone feels at least some effects of a changing climate, not everyone faces the same risk.

Who is most vulnerable when temperatures rise?

Use this lesson to help students:

  • Understand how climate change increases the frequency and intensity of heatwaves
  • Explore why some people are more vulnerable to extreme heat than others
  • Debate how governments, employers and communities should respond to rising temperatures

Skills and knowledge

  • Speaking

    Step 8: Using facts
    I use facts and examples to support my communication
    How did you use the data from the news stories to support your choices on the quadrant?

    Step 9: Sharing visuals
     I use images, charts or diagrams when it helps my communication
    How did you use the quadrant map to show your group's ideas clearly?

    Step 10: Communicating sensitively
    I talk about difficult or sensitive topics effectively
    How did you make sure you spoke respectfully about the difficult real-life challenges people face?

  • Knowledge

    I know that extreme temperatures can affect people differently
    Why does extreme heat affect some people more than others?

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