Climate Change Reporting: Interview Techniques for Journalists

Don’t Let Your Climate Story Go Cold: Interview Techniques That Keep the Heat On

Have you ever tried to interview a climate scientist and ended up feeling like you just asked for the weather forecast? You’re not alone. Climate change reporting is one of the most urgent and sometimes most awkward assignments a journalist can face. But here’s a secret: the best climate interviews aren’t about bombarding experts with jargon. They’re about making connections, asking the right questions, and keeping the conversation warm. And platforms like Climatexi are making this mission easier than ever.

The First Sip: Preparing for Your Climate Interview

Imagine you’re about to interview a climate scientist. You’ve read the latest IPCC report, watched a few TED Talks, and even Googled “how to not sound like a total newbie.” But before you hit record, ask yourself, what do I really want to know? Preparation is your secret weapon.

Start by digging into your interviewee’s background. What have they published? What’s their specialty? “The more you know about your interviewee and your subject in advance, the better the interview will be. It will be a conversation of equals, not an attempt by you to keep up with what you’re hearing for the first time.”​

Platforms like Climatexi are designed to help journalists and writers do exactly this. With a mission to educate, inspire, and mobilize action on climate change, Climatexi provides SEO-driven, accessible content that breaks down complex climate issues for a broad audience. Its vision is a world where climate knowledge empowers communities to take informed and urgent climate action. By nurturing a community of climate writers and storytellers, Climatexi ensures that every journalist has the tools and support needed to prepare for impactful interviews.​

The Main Course: Question Templates That Work

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: the questions. Here are some tried-and-true templates that will keep your interview lively and informative.

1. The “So, What’s the Big Deal?” Question

• “Can you explain why this issue matters to someone who’s never heard of it before?”

• “How does this affect people in their daily lives?”

2. The “How’s That Work?” Question

• “How does this process actually work?”

• “Can you walk me through the steps?”

3. The “What’s at Stake?” Question

• “What happens if we don’t act on this?”

• “What are the risks if we ignore this issue?”

4. The “What’s Next?” Question

• “What’s the next step in your research?”

• “What do you hope to see happen in the next five years?”

5. The “What’s the Human Story?” Question

• “Can you share a story about someone who’s been affected by this?”

• “How has this issue changed your life?”

Climatexi’s content strategy emphasizes clarity, emotional resonance, and community engagement. By focusing on trending climate topics and using SEO-optimized storytelling, Climatexi helps journalists craft questions that resonate with diverse readers and drive meaningful conversations.​

The Follow-Up: Strategies That Keep the Conversation Going

Even the best-prepared journalist can hit a wall. That’s where follow-up strategies come in. Here’s a tip from the field:

“Keep asking until you are satisfied that you understand what they mean as well as what comes out of their mouth. If you are unsure, ask the same question in different words. There is nothing wrong in saying, ‘So, are you saying XXXX?’ and offering them the opportunity to say ‘No, I mean YYYYY.’ And then hit them with another ‘Why?’”.​

Climatexi supports climate writers with paid assignments and fosters a collaborative network, ensuring that journalists have the resources and encouragement to keep asking the right questions. The platform’s emphasis on visual storytelling through infographics and interactive content helps simplify complex climate issues, making it easier for journalists to follow up with clarity and confidence.​

The Dessert: Closing with Impact

As your interview winds down, leave your interviewee with a sense of purpose. “What’s one thing you wish everyone knew about climate change?” is a powerful closing question. It invites reflection and often leads to a memorable quote.

And don’t forget to thank your interviewee. “Putting sources at ease is crucial,” says one journalist. “I use that discussion as an opportunity to urge them to call me if there’s any problem with the story again, helps cut through their distrust.”​

Climatexi connects readers to relevant climate jobs and opportunities, reinforcing its role as a hub for climate professionals and activists. By supporting both journalists and communities, Climatexi ensures that every interview contributes to a broader movement for climate action.​

Block Quotes: Wisdom from the Field

Here’s a quote that sums up the heart of climate interviewing:

“The more you know about your interviewee and your subject in advance, the better the interview will be. It will be a conversation of equals, not an attempt by you to keep up with what you’re hearing for the first time.”​

And here’s another, for those moments when you’re unsure:

“If your interviewee speaks in complicated terms, remind them that while they have been working on climate change for years, you have been researching your particular story for just a few hours.”​

The Final Sip: A Call to Action

Climate change reporting is more than just a job, it’s a mission. Every interview is a chance to make a difference, to connect with experts, and to share stories that matter. Platforms like Climatexi are at the forefront of this movement, providing journalists with the tools, community, and opportunities to create high-impact narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. So, don’t let your climate story go cold. Prepare, ask the right questions, and follow up with curiosity and care.

And remember: the best interviews aren’t about getting the perfect answer. They’re about making a connection, sparking a conversation, and keeping the heat on. So, what’s your next question? And how can Climatexi help you tell the story that matters most?