Connecting the Environment

My best friend and former roommate introduced me to environmental issues by letting me tag along to the first officer's meeting of Roots & Shoots at NC State. The club primarily focuses on animal conservation, however animal conservation is only possible with respect to environmental and human issues as well. Throughout the year I learned about many political, environmental, and of course, animal topics that I had never given much thought about.

Roots & Shoots and a couple other clubs cleaning out Lake Raleigh.

However, one thing always bothered me. Everyone always glances over environmental issues and global warming as though they aren't as big of a deal. Animal and human issues get a lot of press and generally are considered positive to donate or to support. Environmental issues on the other hand come with a passive or even negative connotation, with terms such as "tree-hugger" associated with those who support the causes. Honestly, environmental activists seem more annoying than other activists. But are they really?

I've noticed two things about environmental groups compared to other activist groups that make them seem less sympathetic and gain less momentum: who they place the blame on and having a "face." 

Blame

The nice thing about other causes is that there is generally someone or something to blame. If only we could defeat x then the issue will be resolved. Whether it is governments, diseases, or a specific group of people (the KKK or the Westboro Baptist Church), then the solution is easily definable and reachable.

With the environment, everyone is to blame. No one wants to be on the "bad side" which I believe is why people are so resistant to the idea. Heck, I'm resistant to the idea. I need someone else to blame! Is there really a solution to this? I'm not sure. Some groups have taken to blaming certain industries or to the government and these often end up with more backing. If environmental groups fight against one cause, then often they will receive more support. Specifics help, especially when the blame isn't placed on you personally.

The Face of the Cause

Why are other causes so successful? There is someone (or an animal) that is specifically being hurt unless something is changed. When we discuss environmental issues, a lot of groups mistakenly only point out the harm to the earth itself. The earth isn't "alive" to most people, and it's hard to feel sympathy for it. If more environmental groups would show who would be affected by the damage, then they would likely get more backing - especially if they can be specific.

For example, the groups that support research to end global warming would likely gain more momentum if they took on the tragedy of the island of Maldives - a small, but inhabited island that is going under water due to the effects of global warming.

More people will feel "connected" to global warming because they feel connected to those who are losing their homes.

So...

The likelihood of anyone important at environmental groups reading this blog is minimal, but it is something to think about when starting any nonprofit. You want others to connect to it and feel sympathetic towards your cause, so you need to make it something that anyone can have feelings for.