ACTION PLAYBOOK

Hurricanes & Climate Change

ACTION: CLIMATE COMMS

Contributing to public discourse: connect climate change and extreme weather with a Letter to the Editor

One powerful way to engage in this moment is by contributing to the public conversation about the growing impacts of climate change, explicitly connecting the dots with devastating storms like Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Writing a letter to the editor (LTE) is a relatively quick and impactful way to raise awareness, contribute to the public discourse, and drive action on the climate crisis.

Two options for contributing:

  • Submit Locally: Write and submit an LTE to a local paper, adding your perspective on how climate change is making extreme weather worse and why addressing it should be a priority.

  • Ghostwrite for Someone Else: Consider writing a letter on behalf of a friend or family member who lives in an area directly impacted by Hurricanes Helene or Milton, or in a state where media coverage on climate change has been limited. Local voices in those regions carry more weight, and this is a powerful opportunity to help others advocate for climate action. By offering your support, you can help amplify their voice in a way that makes a meaningful impact. Be sure to get full agreement from the person submitting the letter, and think of someone who would appreciate your time and effort in helping them take a stand.

Want more guidance? See the full Write an LTE Action Playbook.

Start from scratch or start with one of these sample letters (be sure to edit the sample before submitting to make it unique, authentic, and your own):

  • Title: The Link Between Climate Change, Extreme Weather, and Our Economy

    As my community grapples with the devastation of Hurricane Helene (or Milton), it’s clear that these storms are becoming more frequent and more destructive. You don’t have to be a scientist to see how our climate has changed. Extreme weather—like heat waves, hurricanes, and floods—is worsening due to climate change.

    The financial toll is staggering. Families are facing enormous costs to rebuild homes and businesses, and livelihoods are being destroyed. Carbon pollution from oil and gas stays in the atmosphere for thousands of years, fueling these disasters. The effects cannot be reversed.

    We need immediate action on climate change, because later is too late.

    Hurricane Milton made landfall as one of the worst storms to hit Florida in the last 100 years. This is unnatural. This is climate change. It's only going to get worse unless we take action to stop polluting.

    Sincerely,
    [Your Name]
    [Your Address]

  • Title: Extreme Weather is Our New Reality—Thanks to Climate Change

    As we witness the devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, it’s impossible to ignore the economic and human toll. You don’t have to be a scientist to see how extreme weather is becoming more frequent and severe. 2023 was the hottest year on record, and 2024 is on track to beat it. Gulf waters are the hottest in history, intensifying storms like Helene and Milton.

    Hurricane Milton made landfall as one of the worst storms to hit Florida in the last 100 years. This is unnatural. This is climate change, driven by oil and gas pollution. Carbon pollution stays in the atmosphere for thousands of years, and the effects cannot be reversed.

    We need immediate action on climate change, because later is too late.

    It’s our responsibility to leave behind a safe, livable world for our children. If we don’t stop polluting, it will only get worse.

    Sincerely,
    [Your Name]
    [Your Address]

  • Title: Climate Change is Fueling Disasters Like Helene and Milton—and the Economic Costs Keep Rising

    The aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton is heartbreaking. You don’t have to be a scientist to connect the dots—climate change is fueling these disasters. Warmer oceans, caused by oil and gas pollution, are supercharging hurricanes, making them more powerful and destructive.

    The economic damage is immense. We’re seeing billions in losses, and the long-term costs of rebuilding, lost wages, and increased insurance premiums will be felt for years. Carbon pollution remains in the atmosphere for thousands of years, and the effects cannot be reversed.

    We need immediate action on climate change, because later is too late.

    Hurricane Milton made landfall as one of the worst storms to hit Florida in the last 100 years. This is climate change, and it’s only going to get worse unless we act.

    Sincerely,
    [Your Name]
    [Your Address]

Want to take a deeper dive into evidence-based messaging around extreme weather and climate change? Check out Potential Energy Coalition’s Unnatural Disasters Resource Hub.

And that’s it, playbook complete! Feel accomplished.
Thank you for taking action.

🎉 CUE CONFETTI by clicking COMPLETE! 🎉

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