JANUARY-JUNE 2021 MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS
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OVERVIEW The following summary is a broad snapshot of Stand.earth’s most recent earned media coverage. It is not a comprehensive list of all media coverage. Our intent is to highlight big coverage (like Bloomberg, Reuters, the New York Times, or CBC), niche environmental publications (like InsideClimate News or Grist), and trade press (like Responsible Investor or Bunkerspot). In general, highlighted press in this overview includes articles or headlines that specifically quote or mention Stand.earth staff or programs. There are some exceptions that don’t mention us directly but are important to note because coverage uses Stand.earth’s campaign framing and messaging.
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JANUARY-JUNE 2021 MEDIA OVERVIEW Stand.earth campaigns and program have earned hundreds media hits over the past six months with two major media pushes related to bank financing of oil and gas in the Amazon rainforest and risk to old growth forests in British Columbia. Particularly noteworthy are coverage in the New York Times, an op-ed from Tzeporah Berman in the Vancouver Sun, and international press attention regarding a first-of-its-kind ban on gas stations in the U.S., where the widespread media coverage was a direct result of Stand.earth’s media advocacy. In Canada, Stand.earth continues to be widely sought after by reporters as a voice on a range of climate issues, from old growth forests to oil & gas projects, federal and provincial climate policy, and more. This is a direct result not only of Tzeporah Berman’s profile, but the nimbleness of campaign teams to provide relevant, timely commentary across a variety of environmental issues.
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OIL & GAS PROGRAM
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SAFE CITIES Media summary for January-June 2021
Overview ●
Momentum builds in California & Washington: Stand.earth draws broad media attention to Petaluma CA’s gas station ban, Sacramento CA’s move to electrify new buildings, & Yakima WA’s endorsement of SAFE Cities.
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Stand.earth also quoted in Vancouver environmental outlet covering the city’s the Climate Emergency Plan
Impact ●
Legal analysis in New York shows cities have authority to phase out fossil fuels; report helps campaign build relationships with reporters and bring visibility to SAFE Cities campaign.
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Stand.earth media capacity elevates regional news to international stage — showing how SAFE Cities can help amplify work being led by frontline communities.
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Proof of concept proven with Petaluma gas station ban = by notifying reporters of a trend, we were quoted early & often in articles.
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OIL & GAS: SAFE CITIES “There’s no need to build new fossil fuel infrastructure of any sort. We have all the tools we need for a clean energy economy, and these wasted investments are things that are going to become polluting liabilities, and communities get left holding the bag.” Matt Krogh of Stand.earth
https://www.fastcompany.com/90608706/this-california-city-banned-the-construction-of-any-new-gas-stations
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OIL & GAS: SAFE CITIES
https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/Bay-Area-city-first-in-US-ban-gas-stations-15993980.php https://gizmodo.com/california-city-becomes-first-in-the-u-s-to-ban-new-ga-1846379438
https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/03/04/petalumas-gas-station-ban-draws-marin-regional-interest/
https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/california-petaluma-gas-station-ban
https://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/article/industrynews/california-citys-gas-station-ban-ignites-national-debate-o n-energy-future/
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CLIMATE FINANCE Media summary for January-June 2021
Overview ●
Campaign launches website on greenwashing efforts from Canada’s biggest bank, RBC
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Stand.earth applauds Maine for becoming first state to pass law to divest from fossil fuels from its pension fund
Impact ●
Media momentum picking on movement with pension fund holdings. Stand.earth showing up in news wires, regionally-impacted outlets, and in Canada where fossil fuel holdings are situated
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Canadian major media outlets with finance-interested audiences are approaching Stand.earth for comment on stories about Canada’s banks financing the climate crisis
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OIL & GAS: CLIMATE FINANCE
“The smart money, led by New York, is headed away from the climate-damaging energy sectors of the past, and into the future with clean, safe renewable energy." “Compared with decisions by fund officials, the law's passage marks "quite a bit more of a significant lift." Richard Brooks , Climate Finance Director, Stand.earth https://www.reuters.com/business/sustainable-business/new-york-state-pension-fund-divests-seven-oil-sands-companies-2021-04-12/ https://www.reuters.com/business/sustainable-business/new-maine-law-marks-us-first-fossil-fuel-divestment-2021-06-17/
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OIL & GAS: CLIMATE FINANCE “Banks continuing to finance fossil fuels while committing to net-zero goals is like saying we need more cigarettes to cure cancer,” ” Richard Brooks , Climate Finance Director, Stand.earth.
Maine is responsibly acting to address climate risk in its pension by divesting from fossil fuels,” Gibson said in a statement from Stand.earth. “With the freed up funds, the pension fund can invest in climate solutions, doing double duty of earning profits for the fund while safeguarding our future.” https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-rbc-adds-500-billion-to-funds-earmarked-for-net-zero-carbon-goal/ https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/06/09/metro/maine-legislature-votes-divest-public-funds-invested-fossil-fuels/
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CANADA’S CLIMATE LEADERSHIP (incl. LNG & TMX) Media summary for January-June 2021
Overview ●
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Public Inquiry into Anti-Alberta Energy Campaigns misses deadline to submit report; targeted groups call on Premier to end inquiry Stand.earth welcomes increased ambition in latest climate emission target, but say more is needed Open letter calls on BC government to conduct open review of oil and gas royalties Stand.earth says sectoral targets for B.C. oil and gas a move in the right direction; but calls out province’s NDP budget for continuing to subsidize fossil fuels. Stand.earth report reveals fossil fuel subsidies have doubled in BC since NDP leadership Trans Mountain motions to conceal names of insurers, Stand.earth calls on energy regulator to step in, but company’s request subsequently approved
Impact ●
Increased media for commentary on climate leadership broadly, instead of Trans Mountain specifically, which is different from a few years ago
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BC oil and gas subsidies report maintains continued media interest and is frequently cited well beyond report launch dates — even in Quebec
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Insurance appears to be the most compelling news hook for media when it comes to Trans Mountain, otherwise it’s challenging to maintain interest on this issue
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OIL & GAS: TRANS MOUNTAIN PIPELINE
https://www.nationalobserver.com/2021/06/21/news/activists-pressure-trans-mountain-pipeline-protest-against-insurers
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OIL & GAS: TRANS MOUNTAIN PIPELINE
“Zurich, a former insurer, has confirmed it does not intend to re-insure the pipeline, while two others, Munich Re, and HDI, will follow suit, according to environmental group Stand.earth.” https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/may/04/canada-trans-mountain-oil-pipeline-backers
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OIL & GAS: TRANS MOUNTAIN PIPELINE
“The CER says it received comments from B.C. economist Robyn Allan and the Stand.earth organization opposing the request and decided to open a comment period. It didn’t say when a decision would be made.” https://www.thestar.com/business/2021/03/09/energy-regulator-invites-comment-on-trans-mountain-pipelines-insurer-secrecy-request.html
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OIL & GAS: CANADA’S CLIMATE LEADERSHIP
“We don’t have to deal with this crisis as a crisis [...] Instead we can deal with it as a permanent change in the way we move oil around the globe. “We know that we have to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. And the sooner we start planning for that future, the more we can avoid these kinds of decisions.” Sven Biggs, Canadian oil and gas programs director at Stand.earth https://globalnews.ca/news/7853729/line-5-pipeline-shutdown-canada-impact/
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OIL & GAS: CANADA’S CLIMATE LEADERSHIP
“From 2016 to 2019, Canada’s emissions leapt 3.3 per cent, according to a new report authored by earth scientist David Hughes and co-published by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, the Corporate Mapping Project, the Parkland Institute, Stand.earth, West Coast Environmental Law and 350.org.” https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2021/06/01/canadas-embarrassing-climate-record-is-worst-of-g7-nations.html
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OIL & GAS: CANADA’S CLIMATE LEADERSHIP
“With falling oil prices, both because of the pandemic and generally down since 2014, the industry is under a real squeeze, and we’ve seen a lot of players exit the market.” Sven Biggs, Canadian oil and gas programs director at Stand.earth https://www.vox.com/2021/6/10/22526803/keystone-xl-oil-gas-biden-climate-change
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OIL & GAS: CANADA LNG
“C’est une faille dans le système de taxation qui est là pour appuyer l’industrie de la fracturation hydraulique. ” Sven Biggs, Canadian oil and gas programs director at Stand.earth
https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1801896/gas-petrole-colombie-britannique-subventions-redevances
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OIL & GAS: CANADA LNG
“STAND.earth’s May 2021 report on the issue, in 2020-21 the NDP government spent $1.3 billion on fossil-fuel subsidies — 8.3 per cent more than the previous year. Of this, $421 million was for the Deep Well Royalty Program, a tax loophole for fracking operators. Shockingly, STAND.earth reports that in 2020-21 the government gave the oil and gas industry almost five times as much money in subsidies as it earned in oil and gas royalties.” https://www.timescolonist.com/islander/trevor-hancock-stop-subsidies-to-corporate-welfare-bums-that-harm-our-health-1.24335986
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OIL & GAS: CANADA LNG
“In September 2020, a Stand.earth report found B.C.’s NDP government had doubled fossil fuel subsidies over a two-year period, to $1 billion.”
https://thenarwhal.ca/bc-top-10-fracking-companies-subsidies-profits-taxes/
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GLOBAL CLIMATE PROGRAM 27
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SHIPPING Media summary for January-June 2021
Shipping: Overview ●
Transport Canada pressed to do better as Canada shipping laws weaker than US
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Stand.earth uplifts ICCT ship dumping report, UBC Ocean Leaders dumping report
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Canada delays return of cruise ships to Canada, Stand.earth celebrates extended reprieve from cruise pollution
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Stand.earth leads collective push from national advocacy groups to strengthen Puget Sound’s cruise ship dumping laws in WA state
Impact ●
Stand.earth’s cruise campaign & experts continue to be sought for comment by national (U.S. and Canada) and international reporters (including the foreign desk of Associated Press) on cruise ship return and technical issues like scrubbers
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Previous media relationship with FInancial Times help Stand.earth land mention in article on broader shipping industry regulations, which is especially notable since the story ran prior to our campaign launch
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SHIPPING: CRUISE SHIPS “Large cruise ships pollute our air, our water and contribute to climate change. They are toxic to port communities. And they spread COVID. They exploit workers and put passengers at risk. Why should large cruise ships be allowed to return before they have addressed these concerns?” Jim Ace of Stand.earth in an Associated Press story from April 2021 that was republished in nearly 600 outlets worldwide https://apnews.com/article/italy-easter-lockdown-cruise-ships-64294f5587f6ee286884d5182696bd7d
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SHIPPING: CRUISE SHIPS “Scrubbers are effectively an emissions cheat system. It allows these vessels to burn heavy fuel oil, one of the dirtiest fossil fuels, which is an oil refinery waste product. On land it would have to be disposed of as hazardous waste, which means cruise ships are glorified hazardous waste incinerators for the world’s oil refineries.” Kendra Ulrich of Stand.earth in a Crosscut article from May 2021 https://crosscut.com/news/2021/05/cruise-ships-returning-seattle-pandemic-restrictions-ease
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SHIPPING: CANADA
“We are the cruise-ship toilet bowl.” “We are trusting of the industry and allow them to dump more contaminated waste than our neighbours.”
Anna Barford, Canada shipping campaigner at Stand.earth https://www.timescolonist.com/environment-groups-urge-tougher-rules-for-cruise-ships-1.24277224
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SHIPPING: CANADA
“Scrubber washwater is laden with heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), thermal pollution and is highly acidic” “Heavy metals and PAHs are persistent in the marine environment, and accumulate in the food chain.”
Anna Barford, Canada shipping campaigner at Stand.earth https://biv.com/article/2021/02/cruise-ships-use-bc-toilet-bowl-standearth
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SHIPPING: CARGO
https://grist.org/transportation/cargo-ships-are-cleaning-up-smog-by-dumping-polluti on-into-the-seas/
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FASHION Media summary for January-June 2021
Overview ●
Op-ed in Vancouver weekly calls out athleisure brand Lululemon in front of loyal customer base
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Stand uplifts partner organization’s report on fashion industry’s reliance on fossil fuel-based fabrics
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Digital campaign against Lululemon draws attention of media outlet National Observer
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Campaign’s broader media commentary stayed relatively quiet as team worked on annual scorecard
Impact ●
Campaign continues to be sought out for comment by international reporters (including the well-respected energy reporter at the New York Times) thanks to our industry expertise and past campaigning against Levi’s
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First-person storytelling by a campaigner was a winning strategy to help land an op-ed on Lululemon’s climate impact in a local weekly — a key audience for the brand
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FASHION
https://gizmodo.com/worn-out-the-challenge-of-shopping-for-sustainable-clo-1846717253
https://www.vox.com/the-goods/22396326/fashion-pollution-nuclear-reactor-energy-solution
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FASHION
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/22/business/energy-environment/corporations-cli mate-change.html
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FASHION “I know firsthand the price of living with coal pollution, and how its silent toxicity affects millions of children and families. My lived experience is why, when I hear of million dollar companies like Lululemon still relying on coal to power their supply chains and not being transparent about it, it makes me sad. But it also pushes me to urge them to do better.” Erdene Batzorig of Stand.earth https://www.straight.com/news/erdene-batzorig-vancouver-athleisure-brand-lululemon-has-a-climate-chan ge-problem
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FORESTS PROGRAM
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AMAZON Media summary for January-June 2021
Overview ●
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Leading financial outlets Reuters, Bloomberg, Wall Street Journal, Al Jazeera, and Financial Times’ The Banker publish original articles on European bank commitments, which were then republished in 100+ outlets Daily newspapers in France, Switzerland and Ecuador also covered European bank commitments — key outlets that were likely seen by bank execs
Impact ●
4 European banks meet campaign demands and pledge to end trade financing of Ecuadorian oil
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Campaign’s strong relationship with Reuters continues to pay off with two exclusives in first half of the year
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Releasing internal investigations alongside new bank commitments helped campaign increase media attention, by leading with the type of breaking news financial outlets are interested in
Stand.earth Research Group’s expertise helps campaign land op-ed in Responsible Investor
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FORESTS: AMAZON "Any banks involved in this trade will face growing scrutiny, unless Ecuador's government puts a moratorium on new drilling and addresses the environmental damage and rights violations caused by existing production. Ecuador is going to need support to get out from under crushing debt, but new drilling in primary forests without consent from indigenous peoples is not the solution." Tzeporah Berman in a Reuters article from January 2021 that was republished in nearly 100 outlets worldwide https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/european-lenders-exit-amazon-oil-trade-after-scrutiny-by-campaigners-20 21-01-25/
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FORESTS: AMAZON
https://www.wsj.com/articles/european-banks-quit-ecuadors-amazonian-oil-trade-11611561601
https://gk.city/2021/01/25/bancos-europeos-explotacion-petrolera-ecuador/
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-01-25/credit-suisse-bnp-to-exit-amazon-oil-finance-aftercriticism?srnd=premium-europe
https://www.efeverde.com/noticias/bancos-europeos-financiar-comercio-petrolero-amazonia-ecuatoriana/
https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2021/1/25/hold-3-european-banks-stop-fundin g-trade-of-ecuadorian-amazon-oil https://www.letemps.ch/economie/epinglees-banques-suisses-se-retirent-petrole-amazonien
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FORESTS: AMAZON
“If we are to protect the Amazon, no financial instruments require dismantling more urgently than those that support the global trade in crude oil. Bank finance, both transaction-based trade finance approaches and loans and revolving credit facilities (RCFs), are its lifeblood, providing billions of dollars that create liquidity for oil traders to make deals, drive demand and even fund new oil expansion. Banks who support the oil trade risk overshooting the carbon budget and financing corruption.” Angeline Robertson of Stand.earth in a Responsible Investor op-ed in March 2021 https://www.responsible-investor.com/articles/focusing-on-green-financial-mechanisms-is-important-but-it-s-even-more-imp ortant-we-dismantle-others
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FORESTS: AMAZON
https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/exclusive-natixis-stop-financing-trade-ecu adorian-crude-oil-2021-04-16/
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CANADA: WOOD PELLETS & OLD GROWTH Media summary for January-June 2021
Overview ●
Stand.earth joins environmental groups, unions in calling on BC government to suspend new wood pellet mill approvals
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Investigation reveals bid to buy BC mill could turn remaining trees into wood pellets. Disappointing shareholder vote follows
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RCMP breached Fairy Creek blockade, Tzeporah arrested
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Celebrities, scientists join Indigenous leaders for viral video ad to stop logging old growth
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Stand supports Indigenous leadership on old growth (Squamish & Pacheedaht nations)
Impact ●
Media traction about BC’s old growth issues reaches a turning point and begins to make national headlines
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BC government is feeling the pressure to defer old growth logging. Agrees to some deferrals, and more are expected.
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FORESTS: WOOD PELLETS
“Nous avons besoin d'un moratoire dès maintenant.” Tegan Hansen, Forests Campaigner,f Stand.earth March 2021
https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1783430/bois-oeuvre-granule-granule-cb-foresterie
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FORESTS: WOOD PELLETS
https://thetyee.ca/Analysis/2021/02/17/Trees-Pellets-Fort-Nelson-Future-Hangs-Balance/
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FORESTS: OLD GROWTH
Tzeporah Berman, International Programs Director, Stand.earth
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-back-to-the-blockades-why-i-continue-to-fight-for-british-columbias/
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FORESTS: OLD GROWTH
https://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/environnement/2021-05-23/exploitation-forestiere/plus-de-30-militants-ecologistes-arretes-sur-l-ile-de-vancouver.php
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FORESTS: OLD GROWTH
“It feels like one of those tipping point moments where it goes from people who have been closely following the issues to being one of the conversations around everyone’s dinner table.” “Today, the images of what’s happening in Fairy Creek are being broadcast around the world in minutes,” she said. “That’s galvanizing people. And I think it’s an embarrassment for this government.” Tzeporah Berman, International Programs Director, Stand.earth https://vancouversun.com/news/fairy-creek-blockades-a-political-embarrassment-for-horgan-government
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FORESTS: OLD GROWTH
https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/rachel-mcadams-for-old-growth-forests
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MARKET SOLUTIONS: PROCTER & GAMBLE Media summary for January-June 2021
Overview ●
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Campaign employs paid social strategy on TikTok to talk about company’s greenwashing among younger audiences
Impact ●
Creative actions continue to receive media coverage in local Cincinnati outlets
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Campaign organizer’s relationship with daily newspaper reporter pays off in coverage, which had previously been hard to land at this outlet
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For unique campaign moments that were hard to land media coverage for, Stand.earth utilized a paid newswire strategy to ensure our point of view was broadly disseminated
Stand.earth critiques P&G’s new environmental commitments for failing to address sourcing concerns Campaign employs guerrilla marketing strategy to broadcast radio messages during rush hour rally on busy Cincinnati street
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FORESTS: PROCTER & GAMBLE
https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/stand-earth-p-amp-g-fails-on-forests-in-dis appointing-shareholder-update-838142008.html
https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/youth-activists-on-tiktok-join-stand-earth-to -call-out-procter-amp-gamble-for-greenwashing-845759115.html
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FORESTS: PROCTER & GAMBLE
https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2021/04/01/pirate-radio-protest-targets-p-g.html https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2021/03/31/activists-protest-p-g-pirate-radio-broadcast-kenwoo d-towne-centre/4829599001/
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FORESTS: PROCTER & GAMBLE
"Procter & Gamble is cutting down critical forests to make Charmin. We will not stop applying pressure until they stop flushing our forests." Jen Mendoza of Stand.earth
https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2021/03/31/activists-protest-p-g-pirate-radio-broadcast-kenwoo d-towne-centre/4829599001/
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JAN-JUNE 2021 PUBLICATIONS These reports & publications can be viewed at stand.earth/publications: Subsidizing Climate Change: How the Horgan government continues to sabotage BC’s climate plan with fossil fuel subsidies June 2021
Risk Map: Primary forest and threatened caribou habitat overlap with preliminary estimated wood pellet haul zones for Pinnacle/Drax in British Columbia, March 2021
Regulating the West Coast Cruise Industry: Canada at the Low Water Mark February 2021 65
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THE END
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