Climate change continues to be a looming problem for humanity considering the fact how complicated and disintegrated actions are.
In 2015, when world leaders collectively adopted the Paris Climate Agreement, it seemed that the world was united to fight the inevitable enemy facing our next generation: climate catastrophe. But, five years later, it seems we are a long way from turning the corner of the “2 degrees C” target.
Many people could continue to view climate change as an existential problem that needs gradual actions rather than drastic approaches. However, the actions taken today must be effective to avoid severe impact on the future generation. Despite the lack of opportunity in the high seat of government, the people can still speak out to protect mother earth. One of the main ways to greatly influence others is through the use of social media. The influence of social media is immensely enormous today, when many rely on the Internet to learn, gather information, entertain themselves, and socialize. With the pandemic raging, educating and encouraging people through online media would be even more critical to fighting climate change.
Influencers and Leaders
Through the Internet, many ideas, knowledge and opinions can reach people all over the world and help them obtain education and essential services, and generate many innovations and movements. The internet has been transformed from a mere form of distance communication into a modern distillery of ideas, and nothing speaks louder than Influencers and Key Opinion Leaders (KOL). Influencer means someone or a group that has great influence due to its ability to attract a large number of audiences for its content. Meanwhile, a KOL has experience in a certain field with a preferred communication channel, usually social media.
In the field of climate change, there are some prominent influencers who are campaigning against global warming. Take, for example, Mr. Beast’s #TeamTrees campaign, whose main goal is to plant 20 million trees around the world. Launched in October 2019, the campaign has already exceeded its initial target. He also received support from other prominent climate influencers such as Smarter Every Day Channel‘s Destin Sandler and Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla.
Social Media Platforms supporting Climate Change
As per the compilation posted by Jonathan Rasmusson, J.D Candidate at Berkeley Law, LinkedIn, the social media platform mainly used for professional networking is driving forward innovation in efficiency and sustainability in all facets of their operations, including integration of renewable energy.
“Recently, I wondered: is my LinkedIn usage supporting sustainable business practices? To my pleasant I was surprised” said Jonathan.
Currently 80% LinkedIn’s office footprint is powered by wind and solar energy. LinkedIn aims to reach 100% by 2025.
Here are some of LinkedIn’s sustainability goals:
1. Carbon Negative Operations. In Jan. 2020, LinkedIn committed to removing its carbon footprint. By 2030, LinkedIn aims to be carbon NEGATIVE and by 2050, remove all historic carbon emissions.
2. Green Buildings. Over 60% of LinkedIn’s office footprint has green building certifications.
3. Water Conservation. LinkedIn sources reclaimed water at some of their largest sites.
4. Zero Workplace Waste. LinkedIn targets recycling and composting rates that results in 90% diversion from landfills.
Read more at LinkedIn
