BEAT THE HEAT PETITION – ACORN International

BEAT THE HEAT: ORGANIZING FOR SURVIVAL IN AN OVERHEATING PLANET

Heat is the leading cause of weather-related death worldwide and it is low- and moderate-income earners who are most vulnerable. The last three years: 2023, 2024 and 2025 are the three hottest years ever recorded in human history – and those records are expected to break.

Homes were not built to weather the extreme heat that people are now experiencing. Heat-related deaths of people older than 65 years increased by 167% last year, compared with the 1990s. Disasters associated with weather-related hazards have almost doubled compared to the previous 20 years.

The need for action is urgent. We call on the Government to:

Don’t force families to choose between overheating and eviction. Cancel plans to scrap the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and re-hire the staff needed to run it.

Uphold the right of tenants in affordable housing to air-conditioning that works by enforcing landlord regulations.

Stop forcing outdoor workers to risk heat injury by mandating employers to provide mandatory breaks, shade, water and safety protocols for outdoor workers when temperatures exceed 80 degrees.

Protect communities most at risk in natural disasters, including installing warning systems.

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Have you or someone in your household struggled to keep your home cool because of the cost of electricity or air conditioning?

NoYes

Have you experienced unsafe working conditions during extreme heat, such as inadequate water, shade, or rest breaks?

NoYes

Do you think your community currently has effective early warning systems for natural disasters related to climate change (such as extreme heat, floods, storms, or wildfires)?

NoYes