With the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference (hashtag #COP21) in Paris just around the corner, a number of clever social media campaigns support the goal of reaching a universal climate agreement. The common denominator in these diverse works is easy-to-consume, highly shareable content that spreads organically, if not virally, across digital and social channels.
#ClimateChangeIsReal
This campaign has some major celebrity backing with Barack Obama and Leonardo DiCaprio among the supporters. Proving that humour goes a long way, even with a complex and sometimes contentious issue like climate change, it uses popular memes to get the message out. To date, the project has reached more than 260 million people (source: Huffington Post, #ClimateChangeIsReal, So Are Solutions (And Avengers). LOLcats and animated Friends gifs can save the world!
#ActinParis
Sierra Club developed the #ActinParis campaign to raise awareness ahead of the summit. Among the tactics deployed are a selfie gallery as well as a virtual tour of Alaska, narrated by American actor Jared Leto. The video allows the user to navigate fascinating 360 degree views of arctic glaciers, wildlife and communities affected by climate change.
#ShareTheLoveSong
The project brought together some of the biggest names in the music industry – including Paul McCartney, Jon Bon Jovi, Sheryl Crow, Fergie, and others – to perform the “Love Song to the Earth”. The more people play and share the song, the more money is raised to support Friends of the Earth’s work to fight climate change.
