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Beat The Heat
Deadly heat is rising. Tenants, workers, and vulnerable communities are paying the price.
This July 23rd, join ACORN members around the world to demand climate justice that protects people — not profits.
✅ Protests, petitions & public pressure
✅ Tenant demands for cooling and retrofit justice
✅ Gig workers fighting for heat safety and rights. ✅ Fighting for U.S. OSHA heat protections
📢 It’s time to put the freeze on rising heat. Join your local action or organize your own today!
Because if we don’t fight back together… we’ll get cooked.
Why Talk About Heat?
Extreme heat is the deadliest weather event, killing 489,000 people globally each year. Nearly 19,000 of these deaths are workers exposed to extreme temperatures. Due to the climate crisis, the problem is rapidly escalating: over 4 billion people experienced 30+ days of extreme heat last year alone.
Who Is Most Affected?
Low- and moderate-income people face the worst impacts, whether through unsafe housing or heat-exposed jobs. Vulnerable populations include seniors, infants, pregnant people, and gig and informal workers.
What We’re Seeing Across the Globe
🇮🇳 India – Gig Workers Association
- Workers endure 45°C+ (113°F+) heat in cities like Delhi.
- No rest zones, hazard pay, or proper gear.
- Platforms force work in peak heat hours for incentives.
Demands:
- Recognize heat as an occupational hazard
- Hazard pay, rest breaks, medical insurance
- Cooling/rest stations, protective gear
- Legal recognition of gig workers and inclusion in social security
Victory: India’s Meteorological Department now issues public heat warnings thanks to ACORN organizing!
🇨🇦 Canada – ACORN Canada
- Canada is warming twice as fast as the global average.
- ACORN’s 2025 report shows tenants suffer headaches, fatigue, insomnia.
- Only 9% of tenants unaffected by heat. Most cannot afford cooling.
Demands:
- Max indoor temperature bylaws (26°C max)
- Tenant-focused retrofits with rent controls
- Federally mandated energy poverty programs
Victories:
- New air conditioner subsidies in Toronto & Hamilton
- Affordability covenants added to Canada Infrastructure Bank retrofit deals
🇫🇷 France – Locataires Ensemble
- Lyon tenants suffer in 40°C+ homes with no shutters or ventilation.
- Historic preservation laws used as excuse to avoid upgrades.
Demands:
- Shutters, fans, and insulation made mandatory
- Enforce health protection laws under the French Public Health Code
- Retrofit mapping and legal support for tenants
Victory: 7 of 10 targeted landlords initiated retrofits!
🇬🇧 England, Wales, & Scotland – ACORN the Union / Living Rent
- UK homes are among the least energy efficient in Europe.
- Tenants fear eviction or rent hikes from retrofit upgrades.
Demands:
- Retrofits must include tenant protections and consultation
- Zero-interest payment options for owner-occupiers
- Right to remain for private tenants
Victory: Living Rent won secure housing for tenants in retrofitted properties in Lochend!
🇺🇸 USA – LIHEAP & OSHA Rollbacks
- LIHEAP cooling funds blocked; 90% of annual funding used for heating
- OSHA heat protections rolled back for outdoor workers
What We Need to See:
- Recognition of extreme heat as the new normal
- Inclusive, equitable retrofits
- Tenant involvement in all housing/climate policies
- Protections for informal and gig workers
- OSHA heat protections rolled back for outdoor workers
Join the Movement: Across the globe, ACORN affiliates are organizing to Beat the Heat. We are demanding action from landlords, employers, and governments to protect the people most at risk.
Join your local campaign. Organize.
Take Action. Demand Change.
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