Climate Action-Raising the Issue
Talk About It
“…connecting with one another is how we change ourselves, how we change others, and ultimately, how we change the world, It’s contagious.” Dr. Katherine Hayhoe
A. If you’re ready to talk, this article can help you get started and is well worth reading. How to Talk About Climate Change
B.As Dr. Hayhoe says “Just start by doing something anything, and then talk about it!”
C. Invite a speaker from the Climate Reality Project or GPC’s CAN Team to talk to a group that you are part of to help those individuals learn about the issue and what they can do to stop climate change.
D. If you are inclined to make more public “conversation”, speak about the need for climate action at a Town Hall meeting, write about your concerns for a local publication or even put a climate action sign on your front lawn or car bumper.
Contact Leaders
The story of global climate change is so large, so all encompassing that the only thing that can save us from the greatest impacts of climate change is policy change at the national and international levels. The urgency of this pivotal moment calls us to take our climate conversation to those in power. Our goal in raising the issue, is to encourage political and business leaders to make climate change a top priority for their actions.
To learn about who represents you at each level of government and how to contact them, visit usa.gov/elected-officials. Calling, writing or tweeting your elected officials is one of the most effective things that you can do. Let them know passionately and concisely about your concern. If you make a phone call, usually you will speak with a staffer who records the number of contacts their office has received on specific issues. This helps elected officials know what their constituents care about and has a significant impact on how they act and vote.
A way to schedule in the habit of calling your elected officials is to enroll in Citizens’ Climate Lobby’s Monthly Calling Campaign. CCL is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, grassroots advocacy organization that exists to create the political will for a liveable world. They will provide you with a script for calling, as well as issue information and a very convenient monthly reminder and link to call. You can make three calls in ten minutes a month!
You can just sign up to be a caller, there is no need to join the group. This is a quick, high impact action.
Join a Group
Taking action is always easier with the tools, support and camaraderie provided by a group.
Join the Climate Action Now Ministry Team at Greenfield. With more team members we can make our ministry stronger and more active.
The Climate Reality Project has training twice a year for those who feel called to be a speaker or leader.
Citizen’s Climate Lobby: A national bi-partisan lobbying organization with three chapters in metropolitan Detroit, focused on taking effective action to stop climate change. A great way to meet other individuals your area interested in climate action.
Michigan Climate Action Network: - A well respected state level organization, which provides climate related information, events and advocacy direction in Michigan
Turn Oakland County Green: For climate action even closer to home. “Citizens, non-profits, community groups, and volunteers dedicated to making sure Oakland County becomes a national leader in climate policies.”
Many environmental and human needs based groups have some efforts focused on the climate crisis and could benefit from more volunteer support.
Find a listing of more Climate Change Action Groups and their links under “Additional Resources- More Websites” at the bottom of the GPC CAN webpage.
Receive GPC C.A.N. Alerts
Contact: GPCClimate@gmail.com to receive alerts from our Team about current actions you can take to help stop climate change