Friend,

In response to pressure from climate activists across the country, Fox News' Chris Wallace broke from his own debate agenda last week to question the presidential candidates on climate change.

It was the first time in 12 years that a moderator raised the issue of climate change in a presidential debate, and we're glad Wallace broke the streak. But his questions violated two best practices for covering climate change. Now, Evergreen's press team is helping future moderators and journalists -- along with anyone who reads their news with a critical eye -- avoid making the same mistakes during this presidential and vice presidential debate season.

We've done the wonky legwork and put together a memo to help the press cover and voters discern the press coverage of the climate crisis more effectively -- and in preparation for tonight's debate, we're sharing it with you, too. Click here to download and read our exclusive memo.

The five-point memo is designed to help journalists and moderators frame climate questions and stories in a way that reflects the latest science and what's at stake.

For instance (Chris, are you listening?), don't ask whether or not a candidate "believes" or accepts the science behind climate change. After decades of inaction, "belief" is no longer an acceptable baseline.

Another tip? Climate shouldn't be siloed into its own standalone issue. The climate crisis is inextricable from issues of racial justice, national security, public health, and more. It should be treated as such in these debates when millions of Americans are watching.

Want more tips before the VP debate tonight? Download the exclusive Evergreen press memo right now so you can root out which debate questions pass muster.

Thanks,

Jamal Raad
Co-Founder and Campaign Director, Evergreen Action