ACORN “Beat the Heat” Day of Action on July 15th
Posted July 10, 2026
July 15th is ACORN “Beat the Heat” Day of Action, marked by actions in 11 cities across Canada as part of an international push for government action on preventable extreme heat deaths. From maximum heat bylaws to fights to access air conditioners and retrofitting buildings to prevent extreme heat, ACORN is active across the country on this burgeoning public health crisis connected to out-of-control climate change.
Low to moderate-income people are dealing with the blunt force impact of the climate crisis that is deepening and worsening year after year. ACORN’s membership is painfully aware that heat kills—ask our members in New Westminster, BC who could smell the corpses of their neighbours during the unprecedented heat dome in BC in 2021.
For the second year in a row, ACORN is joining people across Canada and the world with this important day of action. All levels of government need to take action to mitigate against the health impacts of extreme heat as a result of inaction on climate change and carbon reduction.
Health Risks of Extreme Heat
When body temperature spikes, blood is diverted to the skin for cooling, depriving internal organs of oxygen and causing direct thermal damage. The impact is greatest on children, seniors, and people with chronic health issues.
Here is a short breakdown:
- Heart: Forced to pump drastically faster and harder to move blood to the skin, increasing the risk of heart attacks, heart failure, and dangerous drops in blood pressure.
- Kidneys: Severe dehydration reduces blood flow and concentrates toxins, leading to acute kidney injury (AKI) or kidney failure.
- Brain: High core body temperatures can break down the blood-brain barrier, causing swelling, confusion, seizures, and potentially coma (heat stroke).
- Gut & Liver: Reduced blood flow makes the gut “leaky,” allowing toxins to spill into the bloodstream. The liver suffers direct cellular damage from both heat and toxins.
- Muscles: Muscle tissue breaks down (rhabdomyolysis), releasing proteins into the bloodstream that clog and further damage the kidneys.
July 15th Action Details
CLICK HERE for a list of all the actions to add to your google calendar.
Actions Around the World
From tenants in France to street vendors in India and seasonal workers in Cameroon, ACORN affiliates are organizing communities for climate justice.
ACORN Canada National Demands
Nationally, ACORN Canada is organizing for:
- Affordability and anti-eviction protections for all publicly funded retrofit projects.
- Energy-efficiency upgrades and mechanical cooling in rental housing.
- Tenant participation in retrofit and climate planning.
- Community Benefit Agreements for publicly financed retrofit projects.
- Maximum indoor temperature protections for tenants across Canada.