The clock can turn up the volume and amplify your message. It is an amplification tool that helps decision-makers and the wider public understand that we are in a Climate Emergency. We only have 7 years to accomplish a massive bold transition off of fossil fuels to avert climate catastrophe. We must #ActInTime.

Stage a public action!

Use the clock as a focal point in your action to send a clear message of urgency. You can incorporate these talking points into speeches and signs.

Examples: 

• At COP26 in Glasgow Indigenous youth activists marched with the clock at the very front of a 25,000 person Friday’s For Future march and brought it up onto the rally stage. (see image below)

• Oscar-nominated Don’t Look Up! Film Director Adam McKay made it the focus of a speech on the streets of LA last month

• NYCC activists used the clock in a powerful speech at a Climate Can't Wait protest outside NY Governor’s office this February

• Countless activists have held up the clock at vigils,  protests and celebrations

Focus on real solutions!

• We need real, bold, systemic solutions, not false solutions. We must push political leaders and industry to reach zero carbon emission and shift to renewable energy by the end of the decade. Look at the transformative solutions that are on the clock.

Pro Tip: After sounding the alarm, recruit! Onboard new activists and allies to join you in taking next steps. Have your Slack, email or WhatsApp groups set up and make sure everyone you engage online or in person has an easy way to sign up. 

Use the clock to attract media attention to your action on a new level! 

Shoot amazing photos, share online, send to the news media 

Climate clocks images are being used by activists across the world to make their message go viral, carrying their demands along with them.  

Example: 

• Check out this amazing article and photos series in Vogue Magazine 

Pro Tip: Here are 7 for creating powerful climate clock photos that can spread your message globally. 

Press conference

Hold a press conference and alert the media that you are bringing a clock as an added draw for them to cover the story. Put it on your podium. Give them opportunities to capture video and photos that increase the likelihood they run your story in the news. Be ready to answer questions and make your demands and solutions clear. 

Example: In Nigeria, our Global ambassador, Jerome Ringo, held an official event where high level Government Ministers received the clock; he then did follow up-interviews with the media which were seen across the continent.

The clock can get you access to decision-makers that previously ignored you.

Ask for a meeting!

Use the clock to ask leaders for a meeting. Notify them you will be bringing a clock and can present it to them publicly. High-profile public figures are more receptive when there’s a special incentive or media hook; many are keen to be seen with the clock.

Amplify your demands!

Use the clock to accompany the delivery of your demands, by combining it with your petition or proposed legislation.

Hold them accountable!

Ask them to make a new commitment as part of the public meeting, then follow up afterwards by using the media power of the clock to remind the press, and hold them accountable.  

Get Commitments!

• Ask leaders to publicly endorse the urgent message of the clock 

• Ask them to commit to a real climate solution within the deadline

• Ask them to partner with you and support your organization in developing a climate plan for your city or region.

• Ask them to give you an official '“seat at the table” as part of Climate task forces, negotiation teams, or other important positions.

• Ask them to commit to displaying the clock in their office or assembly hall or board room where others can see it.

• Ask them to fund a campaign for a monumental clock in your city

• Be prepared to follow up and hold them accountable!

Examples

Learn from the amazing story of how #ActInTime Ghana used the Climate Clock to get access to gatherings, celebrities, kings, ministers, and Ghana’s President, which resulted in their getting an official seat on a national task force, as well as concrete financial commitments from their own government, and the government of Canada.