Climate Stories Toolbox

Climate change can feel like a complex, distant, theoretical problem. To show how a changing climate impacts our state, we created the Georgia Climate Stories initiative. Click here to learn more about climate change impacts and solutions in Georgia.

As a part of this project, we highlight the personal stories of Georgians whose lives and livelihoods are impacted by climate change and those who are taking practical steps to respond to climate change and its impacts. Click here to take a tour of Georgia and see some of our favorite stories.

The Georgia Climate Stories initiative is proud to work with a variety of storytellers across the state including university students. We hope this is a valuable resource for you to learn more about climate change in Georgia and become inspired with examples of climate stories. Click here to see examples of climate stories from both professionals and students.

• Should provide a very clear and memorable example of what climate change means in Georgia and/or what we can do about it.
• Should ideally be driven by an interesting character who can be tied directly and clearly to the impacts, science or solutions of climate change in the state.
• Should have the science clearly explained. Sometimes, that science can get very complex but it is the responsibility of the storyteller to clarify the meanings of terms and statistics, to find ways to illustrate the issues and to build a narrative structure that the audience can easily follow.
• Will look at both the current situation as well as the historical or predicted impacts of climate change. It may be focused on a snapshot of the state, but it will put that moment in time in a larger context.
• Will make an emotional connection with the viewer, leaving them with something to ponder or share with others. It may lead to more questions be asked, as well.
• Will be of excellent technical quality. Photographs and video will be sharp, well exposed and well composed. Packages will have strong visual variety that is sequenced in a logical, flowing way. Audio will be clear and concise with edits matching the cadence of the speakers
• If a video, ideally the first 1 minute should provide the key message
• If being prepared for use by the Georgia Climate Project, should steer clear of partisan politics and political advocacy