Right to cool
Daring to act is to promote access to cool for all
The “right to cool” refers to the guarantee of living conditions where temperatures are safe for our health and well-being, regardless of our status, gender, income, etc.
Focusing on the populations most vulnerable to heat, it comprises three pillars: official recognition, responsible cooling, and a just transition.
70%
Of Quebecers reported that extreme heat affected their health over the past 5 years
$15 millions
In annual healthcare costs associated with extreme heat in Quebec
74%
Of Quebecers are in favor of a right to cool in the province
Extreme heat takes a toll on our health, healthcare systems, and quality of life. Heat-related healthcare costs could increase two- to five-fold by 2050, according to a study by the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS).
Heat Prevention for Health Promotion
Heat is associated with a higher risk of hospitalization, heatstroke, and dehydration, and can cause or worsen health problems.
Those most vulnerable to heat are:
- Seniors, babies and young children, and pregnant individuals
- People with higher heat exposure
- People with chronic conditions
- People with mental health disorders
- People taking medication or consuming alcohol or other drugs
It is essential to tailor heat-related responses to each setting as the natural and socioeconomic environment influences people’s ability to cope with heat.
Coalition for a Right to Cool
Created in May 2026, the Quebec Coalition for a Right to Cool brings together various sectors to position the right to cool as opportunity to co-create a vision of a healthy, resilient, and equitable Quebec in the face of growing heat-related risks, which are amplified by climate change.
The Coalition calls on governments to :
- Recognize that access to cool environments is essential for the health and well-being of Quebecers.
- Adopt an interministerial strategy on responsible cooling to address maladaptation challenges and to reduce social health inequalities through equitable access to cool environments.
- Invest in community resilience by strengthening local climate resilience initiatives and prioritizing vulnerable populations in government programs.
Fill out this form to support the Coalition.
Our communities are on the front lines of extreme heat. Daring to act now means saving lives, improving health equity, and building living environments that are fairer and more climate resilient.
