How to Talk to Elected Officials about Climate Change

By Hillary V.

Climate change is overwhelming and it can seem like there is nothing we can do to stop the planet from warming. However, do not let that existential dread get you down! The very, very  good news is that there is an incredibly impactful and easy action we can all take – talk to our elected officials. It may seem like the opposite, but we are actually lucky that it is an election year! That means that your public servants are paying extra attention to what you want and need from them. Make them understand that their reelection depends on taking real action on climate change. See our blog post here about all of the action government can take to combat climate change.

Do not let politicians fool you – it does not matter if a politician has pretty things to say about action on climate change – it only matters where in their priorities climate change action lies. If climate change action is a public servant’s top priorities, it does not matter what they say. So how can we make sure climate change is a priority for each and every one of our elected officials?  Simply let them know! Send a letter or make a call. Sending an email or making a call is such an easy, low hanging fruit way to push the political needle towards real change. This issue is too important to sit on the sidelines!

Dear [Elected Official],

I live in [X] and am a constituent of yours. I am writing because I want to know what you plan to do about climate change. We are already seeing the affects of climate change across the world and we need elected officials who understand and take the issue seriously. What do you plan to do for [name of public official’s capacity, i.e., the State of Wisconsin, the 37th Assembly District, the Town of Stoughton, etc.]? I would like concrete steps you will be taking and I will be watching to see how you address climate change. Your action or inaction on this issue will hugely inform my decision to vote for you, so please take this seriously.

Please click here to find your elected officials. Do not limit yourself – it is not only the President or your Senators who can take real action to combat climate change. Take an extra few minutes to reach out to everyone who represents you. Your voice really does matter and you should know who is listening!