Over the past few years, a new small, but very important development has become identifiable: an increasing number of local private businesses have become engaged in voluntary awareness raising activities, mainly initiated by the companies themselves. Many enterprises, such as technology vendors or producers of equipment and machinery, have begun paying closer attention and have developed a more consistent approach to green practices and public awareness raising as well as shown interest and strong engagement in various short- and long-term projects.
Even if the individual approaches vary, some general directions can be observed:
(1) Several companies focus on training and developing the skills and abilities young people. While SolarOn and Shtigen implement trainings for students in public schools, EcoStep is active in providing technical education to unemployed young adults in the regions. This enables them to discuss current challenges faced by younger people due to their lack of energy saving practices and how these can be addressed on an individual level.
(2) Other initiatives include real investment projects. One example worth mentioning is OHM Energy’s solar PV power plants in rural schools and youth development centres, thus making them real cases for replication by businesses and homes in the immediate vicinity. Another company, SunnyCity, donated two off-grid power plants; one location had never had access to electricity before (St. Karapet’s Church located in the mountains).
(3) Another equally effective approach is EcoVille’s online-based action strategy. The activities comprise energy savings tips, support for a web project to continuously build an audience keen on topics such as the climate and the environment by starting engaging discussions and sharing of experiences, as well as providing assistance with technical issues for start-ups and innovators. In the latter case, young scientists can receive support to bring to their ideas to life.
There are multiple awareness raising strategies, methods and tools that can be used to advise the public. All these activities seek to inform and provide knowledge to people about climate action with the intention of influencing their attitudes and behaviours. In this way, they mobilise the power of public opinion to fight climate change and to promote sustainable development – most likely the greatest challenge of our time.
Subscribe to our quarterly newsletter