ACORN International holds global actions to protect tenants from climate change
Posted July 24, 2025
In solidarity with International ACORN Chapters, ACORN Canada hosted actions this week to demand supports for tenants to Beat the Heat!
Of all types of weather, extreme heat is globally the most fatal. 489,000 people die each year due to extreme heat, and 18,970 deaths annually are attributed to workers exposed to dangerous temperatures.
Due to the climate crisis, it is getting much worse. Studies show that climate change has at least doubled the number of extreme heat days in 195 countries around the world. Low- and moderate-income people are hit hardest by extreme heat days, in their homes and on the job. This crisis is reducing life expectancy, making people ill and exposing people to dangerous working conditions. Infants, pregnant mothers and the elderly are especially vulnerable.
You can show solidarity internationally by signing ACORN’s Global petition. You can also checkout their International report on the global climate crisis and how it is directly impacting our low- and moderate-income membership.
Calgary, AB
Calgary ACORN members shared their stories of being trapped in dangerously hot apartments, calling on the city to introduce a maximum heat bylaw that protects vulnerable renters.
One tenant shared how her building, like many built in the 70s and 80s, offers little protection from extreme weather. During a recent construction project, her unit was sealed shut with no access to balconies, windows, or ventilation, causing indoor temperatures to soar above 30°C. Another tenant shared that despite already paying her own electricity bills, her landlord wanted to charge an additional $200 just to use her own air conditioner.
With rising temperatures and no rent control in sight, Calgary ACORN is demanding urgent action from City Council. Show solidarity by using Calgary ACORN’s Online Action to demand a Maximum Heat Bylaw from municipal council.
Halifax, NS
Nova Scotia ACORN members launched their Heat & Housing Crisis: Tenant Survey at Uniacke Square in Halifax.
Nova Scotia has various campaigns that will be supported by the firsthand experience we collect from this very important survey, and Members were out to inform the public of the importance of these campaigns!
Members engaged tenants of the area in conversations about energy costs, inadequate cooling, and housing insecurity tied to climate change. We handed out and poster flyers with the link to the survey. Thanks to leaders Darryl, Pat, and Marj helped lead the action!
Metro Vancouver, BC
Following in the footsteps of our New West State of Repair Report launch which detailed a shocking two-thirds of New West tenants are experiencing extreme heat at home, ACORN leaders took to the streets to spread flyers and posters about the campaign.
We ended the day with a visit to New West MLA Jennifer Whiteside’s office, where staff promised us a meeting to discuss the ways the province can support New West City Council to bring in stronger tenant protections against extreme heat.
New Brunswick
Fredericton & Moncton
New Brunswick ACORN officially launched The Heat & Housing Crisis: Tenant Survey with major outreach events in Fredericton and Moncton. Members hit the streets to collect surveys from local tenants, making sure we gather enough responses to make this initiative a real success.
Tenants are too hot, lack rights, and need support to stay cool and healthy during the summer. ACORN is calling on tenants across New Brunswick and Nova Scotia to share their experiences and get involed in the fight for AC for ALL.
The survey covers key issues like heating and cooling, rising energy bills, and tenancy problems. By gathering this information, ACORN aims to build stronger campaigns that fight for real solutions for low- to moderate-income tenants—so everyone can live in safe, affordable, and climate-resilient homes.
Are you a tenant living in Atlantic Canada? Complete our Heat & Housing survey to help inform ACORN’s ongoing housing and climate justice campaigns demanding better for tenants!
Ontario
Hamilton, KW Region, London, Ottawa, Peel, Toronto and beyond!
140+ Ontario ACORN members and allies attended an epic provincial zoom meeting called ‘Boiling Point’ – an Ontario ACORN meeting to Beat the Heat! ACORN leaders from 5 cities gave local updates on their municipal fights for max heat bylaws, tracking heat related deaths and more. Leaders then gave an overview of our organizing from the provincial to international level!
Our last speakers were special guests NDP MPP & Shadow Housing Minister, Catherine McKenney, and a staff lawyer for the Canadian Environmental Law Association. In particular, we look forward to the Fall when McKenney plans to table legislation for maximum temperature legislation, advancing ACORN members’ campaign!
We closed the meeting with a phone zap to Premier Doug Ford, Housing Minister Rob Flack and Environment Minister Todd McCarthy!
Wish you could have made it? Check out the recording below! You can also use our online action to send an email to Federal ministers of environment and energy to tell them something has to be done to push provinces to care for tenants in the midst of climate change!
International Actions!
India – Mumbai
In Dharavi, one of the world’s largest informal communities, ACORN India members marched through the crowded streets to demand urgent action on rising heat. With 2 million people living in just 2.1 square kilometers, residents face some of the harshest impacts of global heating. Tin-roofed homes trap heat, shade is scarce, and access to cooling and water is limited.
The march called for redevelopment that includes everyone and directly addresses rising temperatures. Public water access, shaded areas, cooling infrastructure, and dignified housing must be guaranteed. No one should be left without a home or protection from heat in the name of development.
France – Lyon, Paris & Lille
Locataires Ensemble took action by flyering some of the worst heat-trap buildings in the city, targeting properties owned by negligent multi-property landlords. They are demanding urgent improvements to make homes safe during extreme heat.
The ACORN affiliate released a detailed investigative report exposing the lack of heat protection in Lyon’s private rental sector. Alongside the report, they delivered a growing petition to the Mayor of Lyon calling for a municipal decree to enforce the Public Health Code and protect tenants from dangerous indoor temperatures. Nearly 5,000 people have signed so far.
