Interview Talking Points

Talking points to help volunteers give an effective media interview about Citizens' Climate Lobby and climate change.

These talking points are short, clear messages that can help you give an effective interview about Citizens' Climate Lobby and your volunteer work. Practice them before your interview so these phrases are on the tip of your tongue when you talk to a reporter.

Talking points about CCL

• Citizens’ Climate Lobby is a grassroots nonprofit organization working on climate change. 
• We push Congress to take action on climate change. CCL chapters across the country are asking Congress to pass big, national climate legislation.

Note: If the reporter asks follow-up questions about the legislation, use the Energy Innovation Act fact sheet for bill-specific talking points.

• We’re nonpartisan. Climate change affects everyone, and we work with anyone who is serious about solving it.  That includes both Republicans and Democrats.
• Volunteers like us are working all over the country. Citizens’ Climate Lobby has more than 190,000 supporters nationwide, organized into more than 450 local chapters, including our chapter here in [CITY].
• I’m part of Citizens’ Climate Lobby because… 
  • I started volunteering with CCL in [YEAR], and I am working on climate change because [HIGH LEVEL PERSONAL REASON - e.g. “I want my kids to enjoy the same beautiful beaches that I did.”]
  • As part of Citizens’ Climate Lobby, I’ve worked on [EXAMPLES OF YOUR ACTIVITIES AT A HIGH LEVEL - e.g., “I’ve given climate change presentations at local schools,” or “I’ve met with Rep. NAME in Washington, D.C.”]
• In our local chapter, we… 
  • Our local CCL chapter meets with Rep. NAME and Senators NAME and NAME to encourage them to take action on climate change.
  • Our local CCL chapter reaches out to friends and neighbors in our community to educate them about climate change and the actions Congress can take to help.
  • Our local CCL chapter builds support among community leaders. We want to show our members of Congress that our community wants climate action.

Talking points about climate change

• Climate change is serious. Here in [CITY], it is already impacting us. Here’s how.
  • We have more days of extreme heat, which is dangerous for people’s health.
  • Precipitation patterns have changed, causing more droughts and more flooding. This is hard on our farmers.
  • Sea levels are rising, causing floods even on sunny days. This hurts local business and tourism.
  • [Describe your own local climate impacts at a high level using this same formula - simply state the impact, and describe who it hurts in your community.]
• There are solutions to it! Congress can pass big, national climate legislation to help address the problem. A carbon fee and dividend bill like the Energy Innovation Act could reduce America’s greenhouse gas emissions by 40% in 12 years, while putting money in people’s pockets each month.

Note: If the reporter asks follow-up questions about the legislation, use the Energy Innovation Act fact sheet for bill-specific talking points.

• Climate change is real. Scientists agree that climate change is happening. It’s driven by increased greenhouse gases which come from burning fossil fuels like coal and oil.
• Climate change is caused by humans. Scientists tell us human activity is putting too many greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. It happens when we use fossil fuels for our transportation, to power buildings and homes, create products, and provide services that we use every day.

Want to learn more about giving a great interview? Check out our training video on Preparing for Interviews.

If you have questions or need support, visit the "Working with Media" forum. CCL's Communications staff monitors the forum and will answer your questions quickly.