It might seem like an insignificant thing to do but communicating directly with our political representatives is a crucial democratic act.

The Climate Council says: ‘Our MPs are there to listen to the views of the public, understand your perspective, and represent you in Parliament. The more people who contact their local MP on a given topic (e.g. climate change), the more likely this matter will be raised.’

Research with UK politicians found a key reason why politicians don’t make the case for climate action was that politicians feel under very little pressure to act on climate change. The researchers described this as a ‘stark message’:

Voters are not asking their representatives to act. As one [MP] said, “I can’t remember the last time I was asked about climate change. It’s very rare to be asked about it.”

Writing a letter is an opportunity – as a voter, a citizen, a constituent – to ask for climate change action. To put your views on the record, and help to build the political support for genuine action on climate change.

I’m not the only one feeling compelled to write letters to representatives right now:

And there is even some evidence that the message is beginning to get through:

There are guidelines to writing good letters to MPs. The Climate Council, in their Climate Action Toolkit, suggests:

• Make the letter brief – no longer than one page, and focus just on one issue.
• Add a personal touch – explain why the issue is important to you.
• Use facts, not hyperbole – clearly state the facts that highlight the need for urgent further action. Be brief and objective, telling them what needs to change and why. Be passionate but polite.
• Include an ask – be clear on what action you want your MP to take. This could include actions such as making a speech in parliament, raising the issue at a meeting, voting for or against something in parliament.
• Follow up – Finish the letter by saying that you look forward to receiving their reply.

A single letter is no silver bullet. It is not going to miraculously change the mind of the PM or your local MP. In fact, a friend, Ruth Halbert, wrote one letter per day for 600 days to then Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in protest at Australia’s indefinite detention of asylum seekers on Manus Island and Nauru. Ruth received only five responses to all those letters, and not one of them from the Prime Minister himself.

So don’t expect immediate change or even a response. But you will be adding to a growing voice of people asking for genuine action on climate change.

Below is my letter to the PM which I will tweak slightly to send to Angus Taylor, Minister for Energy, and my local Federal MP, Rick Wilson. You can find the contact details of your own Federal MP here.

Borrow from my letter, or use this great example from the Australian Parents for Climate Action. 

Happy writing!