Fast Facts & Stats: A Code of Conduct

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The following are guidelines to help you strengthen and verify your argument when posting comments, writing letters to the editor and calling the media. We can't stop contrarians from making comments, but collectively we can stop them from taking over the public conversation.

We recommend that you choose specific publications to respond to on a regular basis. Whether it’s one national and your favourite local paper or all national and local papers, knowing what paper(s) to write to helps to provide regularity in your media responses.

Quite often online newspapers and broadcasters ask commentators to register in order to comment. We recommend that you choose your real name for your username. Let's get away from hiding behind pseudonyms when making comments.
If it is an article you are responding to, read it carefully and thoroughly before responding.

A level-headed response, backed by links to peer-reviewed and other credible sources, offers strength and credibility to your position.

Avoid back-and-forth arguments with commentators, particularly those committed to negative, derogatory and unsubstantiated claims.

For those commentators who provide links to dubious sources, respond with sources that discredit those sources. You can find this information at Contrarian, Skeptic or Denier: The Issues.

Always be courteous and respectful, no matter what.

Commend the journalist if the information in the article is backed by claims supported by peer-reviewed scientists who study climate change.

If the article provides information that you find questionable, point this out and provide links to credible sources.

Always provide support for solutions to the climate crisis, such as investment in a low-carbon economy. Offer examples on how such investment is helping companies, communities and/or countries. You can find this information at Low-Carbon Economy Fast Facts.

Post your comments as a blog post on the Share page here at Climate Response. Member comments serve as an inspiration, and provide great ideas on making effective arguments.