There’s no doubt that climate change has drastically altered the globe, especially with record-setting heat, droughts, wildfires and hurricanes impacting families across the U.S. The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report even labeled it a “Code Red for humanity.”
That stated, not enough people are talking about climate change, with a report by the Potential Energy Coalition finding that while more than 60% of Americans are concerned (or very concerned) about climate change and the environment, only 14% talk about the issue often. According to the IPCC’s August report, the window to act on climate change is quickly dwindling, with just 10 years left to prevent the most catastrophic changes, so several non-profits got together to help people start talking.
Ahead of Climate Week, starting September 20, Science Moms—a nonpartisan group of climate scientists and mothers aimed at inspiring and educating moms nationwide on climate change—and the Potential Energy Coalition are teaming up with the Ad Council to bring greater attention to climate action with a nationwide public service campaign. Leading with moms who are scientists telling their own stories, the ads aim to reach families across the country with the message that climate change requires urgent action.
“Through this campaign, Potential Energy and the Ad Council are putting a stake in the ground by going big and national to awaken and engage America,” John Marshall, CEO of the Potential Energy Coalition, said in a statement. “Climate change is not political—it threatens our present and futures and requires immediate collective action from all of us. Later is too late.”
The PSAs feature mothers, including two of the Science Moms, who say that the need to care for the planet is something we all need to do, not just climate scientists. It shows family moments between catastrophic weather incidents, like hurricanes and deadly fires, to raise the stakes on enacting climate change for future generations.
The spots direct audiences to visit Science Moms’ digital platform where they can learn how climate change affects their lives, get the resources to talk to other people in the community and take personal action.
“This summer’s extreme weather events are more than concerning,” said Dr. Melissa Burt, founding member of the Science Moms campaign and research scientist in the Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University. “I’m talking about climate change with parents in my community, and everyone has the same question: What will this mean for our children? It’s simply past time to act—we need progress, and we need it now.”