Mobilizing Americans After a Climate Disaster

The reality of millions of Americans, suddenly forced to breathe in toxic smoke from wildfires abroad this June, is a stark reminder that we all share this planet and of the unequal consequences of our current climate catastrophe. Shared experiences with a climate disaster are moments in time when public consciousness on climate issues is unusually high. In these flash points, we have a greater opportunity to shine a light on the wealthy corporations responsible and animate public will towards the solutions that we seek. 

In recent qualitative research conducted by We Make The Future, Lake Research Partners, and ASO Communications just days before the Canadian wildfires, we learned that many Americans across races and places are primed and ready to demand government action on climate and accountability for the fires, floods, and fumes corporations have caused. 

With the visceral impacts of the outcomes of destroying our climate on display, we urge campaigners, communicators, and community leaders to use the following guidance to mobilize and move our base and persuadable audiences to call out for action and leadership that will protect our climate, our families and our futures.