GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – As climate change accelerates, extreme heat events are becoming more common and intense across many regions, according to The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. This increasing frequency of hot extremes poses serious health risks, especially during mass gatherings where crowds can be exposed to prolonged high temperatures. Major sporting, religious, and cultural gatherings are particularly vulnerable, affecting spectators, participants, volunteers, and workers exposed to these conditions. To address these challenges, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released updated guidance aimed at minimizing heat-related illnesses during such events. An extensive review of evidence from studies published between 1980 and 2025 revealed nearly 500,000 medical encounters linked to mass gatherings, with over 22,000 cases involving heat-related health issues.
The report emphasizes that well-organized medical support at event sites can effectively manage most cases without necessitating hospital transfers. When organizers establish robust on-site medical facilities, over 90% of patients can receive care directly at the venue, thereby alleviating pressure on local hospitals and ambulance services. These findings contribute to a comprehensive resource package designed for governments, event organizers, and health authorities, combining scientific research with practical tools for assessing and addressing heat risks both before and during major events.
Since the 1990s, heat-related mortality has risen by roughly 63%, with an average of 546,000 deaths annually between 2012 and 2021, as highlighted in the new guidance. Crowds gathering outdoors for extended durations in high temperatures can face heightened exposure, especially when compounded by limited access to water, restrictions on movement, and travel-related stress. Increased demand on health services during large-scale events further complicates effective medical responses.
Heat mitigation integrated into event planning and operations
The new guidance advocates for measures such as providing accessible drinking water, sufficient sanitation facilities, and cooling infrastructure at venues. It also recommends adjusting event schedules, managing crowd flow more effectively, and implementing protective measures for workers. Effective planning should incorporate public communication strategies, real-time health surveillance, and ready medical support, with an emphasis on heat protection as a comprehensive approach that extends beyond individual behavior. Factors such as venue design, transportation, security, and sanitation play crucial roles in ensuring access to cooling and medical care during hot conditions.
This package includes systematic review methodologies, an implementation manual, and a dedicated tool for assessing heat risk. It also offers resources for crafting evidence-based public messages during periods of elevated heat. The assessment tool facilitates structured, repeatable evaluations before and during events. The overall framework covers all stages of event management — preparation, impact mitigation, and recovery — allowing organizers to align these measures with existing emergency protocols, occupational safety standards, and national heat-health strategies.
Research supports proactive heat safety measures
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has documented that hot extremes have become both more frequent and more intense across most land regions since the 1950s. Such rising temperatures increase health risks during outdoor gatherings or crowded indoor spaces. Vulnerable groups like older adults, individuals with chronic conditions, and those engaged in physical activities face greater danger. Workers and volunteers who spend long hours outside providing security, transportation, medical, or logistical support are also at increased risk.
The guidance frames heat management as an integral element of broader public health and emergency preparedness efforts for mass gatherings. It encourages authorities and organizers to evaluate conditions throughout the entire event cycle and to coordinate health protection strategies with operational planning. These measures are applicable across various types and sizes of events, including international sports competitions, festivals, and religious gatherings. Focused on prevention, early intervention, and on-site care, the guidance supports the enhancement of existing national heat-health response systems, emergency responses, and clinical management practices.