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Planet Now
Blog on Effective Environmental Communication
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As some companies pollute and greenwash their efforts to slow climate change, people who care about the future of the planet must hold companies accountable. In March 2022, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission proposed rules that would require public companies to share certain information about their climate change responses and greenhouse gas emissions. Some of this information includes how companies are managing risks related to climate change and possible financial impacts of climate-related natural disasters and changes in energy availability.
Many environmental organizations have advocated for implementation of the rules. A letter from 77 organizations, mainly environmental organizations like the Sierra Club, explained that many companies do not voluntarily disclose enough information about their efforts to respond to climate change in order to hold them accountable. Companies may say they are committed to reducing their contributions to climate change but not share specific plans, progress, or emissions metrics. Requiring this information to be public would pressure companies to follow through on commitments to help the environment. More transparency about climate risks would also help investors make informed decisions. However, the First Amendment may limit the government’s ability to compel speech about climate change. Scholars have shared varied views on whether the SEC has the power to require climate disclosures. Some scholars, like Sean Griffith and Justin Hicks, have said that making rules about climate change and greenhouse gas emissions is too far outside the scope of the SEC’s role to protect investors. On the other hand, scholars such as Robert Post believe that the First Amendment should not be used to prevent commercial regulation and that the First Amendment would not prevent the government from requiring disclosure of facts that are important for making investment decisions. The SEC has set this April to finalize its climate disclosure rules. If the SEC does not implement its rules, environmentalists will have to find new ways to further hold companies accountable for climate change. This case may also set a precedent regarding compelled speech as securities litigation around ESG is likely to increase in the coming years, so this is an important case to follow.
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From heat waves to hurricanes and their inequitable impacts, climate change is already harming our planet and communities. However, it is not a salient news topic in many Americans’ lives. A 2021 Yale Program on Climate Change Communication survey found that just 33% of American adults hear about global warming in the media at least once per week.
At the same time, 58% of Americans reported being alarmed or concerned about climate change in 2021. While many people are aware that the issue is serious, it can feel like the issue is not getting enough attention or action, which might increase feelings of hopelessness and climate anxiety. Fortunately, there is an increasing amount of content about climate change. The Media and Climate Change Observatory, based at University of Colorado Boulder, actually found that 2021 had more climate news than any other year. (Of course, with abundant climate disinformation, not all media about climate change is good.) The New York Times covers several climate change stories per week. I like to receive their regular notifications of climate news, even if the news itself is negative. A recent article featured two climate activists, Bill McKibben and Xiye Bastida, discussing the future of the environmental movement. While The New York Times is behind a paywall, Grist is a great spot to visit for articles centering climate justice. This outlet connects climate change to different topics that matter to audiences. A recent article shared five ways climate change made life more expensive. You could share it with a cost-conscious friend who is open to understanding climate change but not yet particularly engaged with the issue. HEATED is a newsletter by reporter Emily Atkin. It holds companies and politicians accountable for their contributions to climate change and climate disinformation. I’d recommend subscribing to it to learn about topics like greenwashing and how you can help the climate crisis. Moreover, I was excited to see a climate reporter, Liz MacLaughlin, start working at my local news station, WRAL. The station commonly covers climate stories on topics like clean energy and sea level rise in the Outer Banks. These sources are just a few of many places to learn about climate change. I recommend you look at these resources and share them with friends to help them stay informed as well as equipped to advocate for climate solutions themselves. Comment below with your favorite sources to keep up-to-date on climate stories and solutions! |
Welcome to my blog! It is a combination of posts from my strategic writing (spring 2022) and personal branding (spring 2023) courses at UNC. I hope you will enjoy reading the posts and learning about the environment and communication.
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