Heat crisis grows: 'Suspend rents' campaign launched

A new social initiative has been launched in France due to the extreme heatwave that has been affecting the country for two weeks. As part of a campaign prepared by the "Rent Strike Collective," it is demanded that rents be suspended for housing units that lack the necessary infrastructure to protect against the heat.

PETITION LAUNCHED ON CHANGE.ORG

In the petition launched on the change.org platform, the collective stated that the country has already experienced two extreme heatwaves despite it being only the beginning of the summer season.

The statement noted that deaths in streets, workplaces, and homes are increasing due to the hot weather, and included warnings from the Paris Police Prefecture regarding the occupancy status of hospitals in the Ile-de-France region.

HOSPITALS FACE OVERCROWDING AND LOSS OF LIFE

It was reported that hospitals in France have been experiencing overcrowding due to the heatwave that has been effective since June 18. Information was shared that in Paris, 109 people lost their lives due to the heat in a single day on June 26.

The statement included a warning that if adaptation to climate change is not achieved, a situation similar to the summer of 2003, when 15,000 people lost their lives due to the heat, could occur again.

Citing data from the World Health Organization (WHO), it was stated that indoor temperatures rising above 24 degrees Celsius increase the risk of death.

The text noted that approximately half of the homes in France have structures that trap heat inside. It was reported that 66 percent of French people experience difficulties in their homes due to the heat.

It was stated that solutions such as shutter systems, wooden blinds, night ventilation, and air circulation are available to combat the heat.

DEMAND FOR RENT SUSPENSION

The statement demanded that rents be suspended for homes that lack basic equipment to combat the heat and have therefore become uninhabitable.

While emphasizing that these measures are "vital," it was noted that the campaign is also supported by the Right to Housing Association.

OVER 5,000 SIGNATURES COLLECTED

It was announced that more than 5,000 people have supported the petition so far.

Information was also shared that in some homes, hospitals, and schools, windows are being covered with thermal blankets used in emergencies to combat the heat in environments without air conditioning.

News Source: 12punto