1 December 2025, Sweltering Cities has today launched the Summer Survey 2026, Australia's largest community survey on heat, health and homes, calling on people around the country to share their lived experience of rising temperatures and dangerous heatwaves driven by climate change.
The survey collects qualitative and quantitative data on how people manage extreme heat; from cost-of-living pressures, to health impacts, to the local solutions communities want to see. It will remain open until the end of February 2026, with results informing a major national report to be released in March.
Last year's Summer Survey attracted more than 2,300 participants, generating national media coverage on what life is like in Australia's hottest suburbs, rental homes and workplaces. This year's survey is expected to be the biggest yet.
Sweltering Cities Executive Director Emma Bacon said community experience must be at the centre of Australia's response to worsening heatwaves.
"Every summer we hear from people in hot homes, baking suburbs and dangerous workplaces, and the stories are becoming more urgent. The Summer Survey is one of the few tools we have to capture the reality of heat across Australia and to make sure decision-makers pay attention."
"The 2024 survey showed that people are leaving their homes to cool down in shopping centres, skipping meals to manage energy bills, and experiencing significant health impacts during heatwaves. We expect 2026 to reveal even more pressure as temperatures continue to rise and energy costs remain high."
Sweltering Cities says the survey helps identify priority areas for action, including investments in heat-safe housing, ambitious climate action, better community cooling options, public health planning, and support for vulnerable groups such as older people, renters, people with disability, and those living in urban heat island suburbs.
This year's survey is again supported by a wide network of local councils, community organisations, and health partners, who will be encouraged to share the survey during heatwave periods.
Take part and share the survey
Sweltering Cities is encouraging anyone who feels the heat over summer to contribute.
https://swelteringcities.typeform.com/summersurvey26
