Exploring Reddit Discourse and Information Needs Surrounding Extreme Heat: Topic, Sentiment, and Engagement Analysis

Our findings present an initial snapshot into Canadian perspectives and information needs about extreme heat in Canada. In our sample, discussions on Reddit about extreme heat in Canada are dominated by concerns over heating and cooling costs, weather patterns, and personal adaptation strategies, reflecting both practical and policy-related challenges. Additionally, sentiment and emotion analyses suggest significant regional differences in public perception, which may be useful for informing health and risk messaging initiatives to better protect Canadians from the adverse health effects of climate change.