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

• Extreme heat is now the leading cause of weather-related deaths globally. During this heat wave in [city],, please take care of yourself and others. For more heat safety and prevention measures, visit: [city website].
• [City-ians] – aas you are well aware, we are experiencing extreme heat in [city]. Limit your time outdoors as much as possible and stay hydrated. Learn about how to stay safe [here]:
• Frequency and intensity of heat waves can be directly attributed to global climate change. The city of [city name] is dedicated to doing our part to slow the warming of our planet by reducing carbon emissions and prioritizing clean power. [link to local resources]

Facebook or LinkedIn:

The extreme heat we’re experiencing is most dangerous for the elderly, infants and those with chronic illnesses. We’re working hard to ensure all residents are safe and have access to resources during this time. Please visit [website for resources, hotline, cooling center, etc.] for more information. We will get through this together [city-ians].

Extreme Heat Talking Points

• Keeping residents safe and cool 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 heat wave we’re experiencing is proof of that.
• Extreme heat is a direct result of the warming of our planet caused by carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels.
• As emissions have trapped more heat in the atmosphere, heatwaves are getting hotter and longer. The number of record high temperatures are dramatically outpacing record low temperatures.
• Extreme heat is now the leading cause of weather-related death globally.
  • Residents of low-income neighborhoods and communities of color are disproportionately affected by extreme heat due to less tree canopy cover, fewer parks, and lower quality housing as a result of historic disinvestment.
• 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.

Making the Climate & Health Connection

• During times of extreme heat, do not hesitate to inform audiences that there is a clear and scientifically backed connection to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, which is making heat worse.
• The increase in extreme heat is a direct result of our warming planet. As greenhouse gas emissions have trapped more heat in the atmosphere, heatwaves are getting hotter and longer, and the number of record high temperatures are dramatically outpacing record low temperatures.
• See more at Climate Central and SciLine.

Cities are Leading the Way

Cities are not only addressing the root causes of extreme heat, 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
  • City resilience plans
  • Cooling centers, resilience hubs and outdoor water features
  • Tree canopies and cool roof and pavement treatments to curb the urban heat island effect
  • Green roofs and walls that regulate indoor building temperatures
  • Connecting residents with emergency services or special hotlines
  • Designating Chief Heat Officers (e.g. Los Angeles, Phoenix and Miami-Dade County) to coordinate your city’s response to extreme heat events

• Mitigating the root cause of wildfires, smoke waves and air pollution
  • Focusing on powering our cities with clean energy to reduce planet warming emissions
    • Renewable power generation from solar provided a crucial boost to the grid to ensure the lights stayed on during recent heat waves in Texas and California.
  • 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]