Australia has recently made global headlines as the hottest place on Earth, with record-breaking temperatures sweeping the nation. Extreme heat is now the country’s deadliest natural disaster, claiming over 1,000 lives in the past four years.

We’re joined by Eilish Maguire, Program Lead for the Urban Climate Resilience Program at the Australian Red Cross, to discuss what makes extreme heat so dangerous, who is most at risk, and practical steps individuals and communities can take to stay safe. From creating a “heatwave plan” to building a “cool kit” and checking in on neighbours, preparation can save lives.

With Extreme Heat Awareness Day on 4 February, this episode is a vital guide to understanding, preparing for, and surviving Australia’s escalating heat crisis.