Raleigh PR| Fall Warms Up With Environmental Activism

Global Warming Story Tour

Does it seem warmer, or is it just the Global Warming Story Tour that recently made a stop at the N.C. Museum of Natural Science?  This was one of the 280 events being held nationwide to increase awareness about global warming and encourage action from Congressional leaders.  The event was sponsored by the N.C. Conservation Network/1Sky N.C. and Greenpeace.

The Rolling Sunlight Truck, equipped with solar array, was the shining star at the event (pun intended).  The 256-square-feet of solar panels can provide energy to three homes without producing pollution.  Organizers were trying to display the eco-friendly alternatives to fossil fuel.

Through the event, Greenpeace also wanted to demonstrate that global warming affects everyone and that makes it everyone’s responsibility to protect the environment.  Attendees inspired by this message could make a video, write a letter or take a picture at one of the event’s action tents.  This put a message to Congress into three different forms of communication.  The message? I am a voter and I care about global warming.

Greenpeace thinks the most important thing for the environment right now is to let leaders in Congress know that environmental protection should be a top priority.  The event moved people to act by telling stories of people nationwide who are changing their lives and having their lives changed thanks to global warming.  Greenpeace noted the firefighters fighting unimaginable forest fires in California and farmers devastated by floods in the heartland, but they also discuss businesses exploring renewable energy and individuals who reduce their energy usage.

Greenpeace’s goal is to have more legislation to reduce global warming and protect the environment.  But instead of just targeting Congress with lobbyists or workshops, Greenpeace targeted the American people and the U.S. Government as their primary stakeholders.  They sent the message to the American people that global warming is affecting you and your fellow Americans.  Then they gave the American people the tools to send the message to the U.S. Government that they care about the environment and something needs to be done about global warming.

Sure, this campaign by Greenpeace is more complicated and more expensive than sending a few lobbyists to Capitol Hill, but it uses the American people to target government in a fresh way.  Members of Congress are elected officials in this democratic society and they know that the American people are one of their primary stakeholders.  Greenpeace wants the people (voters) to let government officials know that their job depends on votes and votes depend on environmental action in government.

Does your organization have public relations needs in Raleigh?  In North Carolina?  Visit the MMI Associates Web site for more information.  Any questions?  Leave us a comment or give me, Patty, a call at 919-233-6600.

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