Scientists Need PR

This article is a great help to the Student Green Energy Fund campaign. In the article, Biba addresses the root of the problems behind public opinion of climate change. The author believes that the doubt surrounding climate change is the result of the lack of a public relations expert heading the campaign.

Biba introduces the readers to Kelley Bush, who has a few suggestions for the climate scientists: “…researchers need a campaign that inundates the public with the message of science: Assemble two groups of spokespeople, one made up of scientists and the other of celebrity ambassadors. Then deploy them to reach the public wherever they are, from online social networks to The Today Show.” Scientists are not always the best spokespeople; by having celebrities on their side, as well as climatologists will have a much better chance of effecting change. Biba also suggests that the campaign would need to have the public answering these questions: “What's in it for me? How does it affect my daily life? What can I do that will make a difference?”

These are the exact questions that the Student Green Energy Fund campaign should have students asking and answering. A conversation about climate change needs to be started on FAMU’s campus, and the faculty, staff and student body must all be involved. It is vital to not only encourage the public’s questions but also to have possible answers and solutions to them. Biba’s idea of involving celebrities is also great. Although national celebrities maybe out of our reach, involving FAMU “celebrities” maybe a great alternative. The campaign has to show students that this fund is a realistic option and that their peers, especially one’s with campus notoriety, condone and are implementing change. This article has great ideas that the Student Green Energy Fund campaign can easily use. It is definitely a beneficial and relevant read.

Biba, Erin. (2010, June). Appeal To The Heart. Wired. 18(6). 29. Retrieved November 9, 2011 from ProQuest Science Journals. (doi: 2078370821).