Sample Social Media

As you know, your social media channels are a good way to inform your residents in real time about issues like air quality. Here are some sample social media posts you can use to communicate on the issue and keep residents updated. As always, feel free to modify as you see fit.

Twitter

• Wildfire smoke waves affect everyone’s health. We’re closely monitoring this period of poor air quality in [city], please take care of yourself and others. For more air pollution safety and exposure prevention measures, visit: [city website].
• [City-ians] – as you are well aware, we are currently experiencing unhealthy air quality as a result of [relevant wildfire or other cause]. Limit your time outdoors as much as possible and consider wearing a mask outdoors to reduce exposure to particulates. Learn about how to stay safe [city website]:
• Human-caused climate change accounts for at least 2/3 of the rapid increase in fire weather in the western U.S. in recent decades [city] is dedicated to doing our part to address #ClimateChange by reducing carbon emissions and prioritizing clean power. [link to local resources]
• Climate change is no longer a far away concern of the future. Carbon emissions, extreme heat, wildfires, and the health of everyday people are all connected. Lives are at stake and we are working diligently to protect them. [link to local resources]

Facebook or LinkedIn:

Poor air quality is becoming the U.S.’s “new normal” with yet another week of Canadian wildfire smoke traveling down North America. That’s why myself and other local governments across the country are working to provide impactful solutions to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and help protect the health of people and the planet.

During this time, the elderly, children, and people with health conditions such as asthma are most at-risk. We advise [city] residents to stay indoors if possible and avoid long periods of time outside.

No matter the severity of the air quality index, [city] is working hard to ensure all residents are safe and have access to resources during this time. Please visit [website for resources, hotline, air quality alerts, etc.] for more information.

Air Pollution & Air Quality Talking Points

• This summer has been rife with heat, wildfires and smoke that have created dangerous air quality conditions across the U.S.
  • While the world is looking to New York, Washington D.C., Philadlephia and others in the Eastern U.S. right now, this issue is not new to mayors across the country. Our fellow mayors on the west coast such as Phoenix, AZ, have seen that the impacts of wildfire smoke on the health and safety of residents is unfortunately an emerging climate reality.
• Canadian wildfires are continuing to intensify, which means we must be vigilant about keeping residents safe from degraded air quality and the health impacts that come with that.
• Keeping residents safe and healthy during this time is our main concern. That’s why we’ve established [insert services like cooling center, emergency hotline, etc.] to help ensure that we get through this trying time.
• Climate change is real and extreme weather like the intensified wildfires and smoke waves we’re experiencing is proof of that.
• Climate change is no longer a far away concern of the future. Carbon emissions, extreme weather, and the health of everyday people are all connected. Lives are at stake and we are working diligently to protect them.
• Air pollution poses a significant threat to public health. The city of [city name] is dedicating time and resources to protecting residents from dangerous smoke waves from intensifying wildfires.
• Creating a climate resilient community is an important part of [city name] ‘s urban planning and sustainability.
• Our city is dedicated to doing our part by reducing our emissions and prioritizing clean power in order to limit the planet’s warming and prevent the worst effects of wildfires and climate change.
• Canadian wildfires causing Code Red air pollution advisories in countless American cities is a stark reminder that the climate crisis knows no geographic borders. We must all act together to put a stop to this.

Making the Climate & Health Connection

• During times of poor air quality, do not hesitate to inform audiences that there is a clear and scientifically backed connection between greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, heat and wildfires.
• According to Yale’s Center for Climate Change Communications, 72% of Americans worry about air pollution harming their local community. And 51% feel the same about wildfire. Your constituents want to hear about this issue!
• The increase in extreme heat is a direct result of our warming planet. As greenhouse gas emissions have trapped more heat in the atmosphere, conditions are becoming drier, hotter and windier.
  • Rising temperatures, windy conditions and buildup of dry tinder on forest floors fuels increased occurrences of wildfires.
  • More wildfires means more exposure to harmful smoke waves and particulate matter that pollute the air of cities both close to, and hundreds of miles away, from the source.
• Wildfire smoke has been connected to a long list of health problems, including asthma and heart attacks.
  • Scientists recently discovered that exposure to smoke waves increases influenza risks the following winter.
  • According to WHO, “PM2.5 from wildfire smoke is associated with premature deaths in the general population, and can cause and exacerbate diseases of the lungs, heart, brain/nervous system, skin, gut, kidney, eyes, nose and liver. It has also been shown to lead to cognitive impairment and memory loss.”
• The increase of climate change induced wildfires adds more carbon emissions to earth’s atmosphere while also destroying forests, one of the world’s best carbon sinks.
• See more at Climate Central and SciLine.

Cities are Leading the Way

Cities are not only addressing the root causes of wildfires and poor air quality, but also adapting to it in real time. When speaking with the media or other audiences it is critical to explain how your city is addressing the issue and ensuring residents are safe and cared for. For example:

• City adaptation and safety measures
  • Shelter in place orders
  • Safe zones where residents can shelter and breath filtered air
  • Increased access to or discounts for air purifiers and filters for homes
  • Mask mandates to reduce exposure for individuals that cannot remain indoors
  • TV, radio, and social media announcements of daily air quality advisories
  • Keeping residents informed about the actionable steps they can take to minimize the respiratory effects of wildfire smoke
  • Connecting residents with emergency services or special hotlines
  • Encouraging residents to avoid activities that increase indoor pollution, such as candles, fireplaces, and stoves
  • Encouraging the use of air conditioners, fans and window shades to keep indoor air clean and cool
  • Creating and sharing evacuation plans in a timely manner
  • Arranging free evacuation assistance for those lacking the resources to vacate

• Mitigating the root cause of wildfires, smoke waves and air pollution
  • Focusing on powering our cities with clean energy to reduce planet warming emissions
  • Electrifying the energy grid to move away from fossil fuels and lower energy bills
  • Prioritizing local policies and programs that fight climate change and prioritize sustainability
    such as [your specific policy here]
  • If you’re a city that has forests, following guidance from local fire departments and forest services of best practices such as prescribed burns that can help prevent wildfires
  • Working with scientists to discover the best native foliage and tree cover that can help sequester carbon and purify the air in the city