On August 15, Starbucks will host a 'National Day of Discussion: Solutions to Climate Change' at coffeehouses in more than 60 U.S. cities to inspire conversations about the vital issue of climate change. The events will be lead by community leaders and non-governmental organizations with an expertise in environmental science. These friendly discussions are designed to engage local participants in a dialogue about how to modify their impact on the planet by making simple, everyday decisions. The move by Starbucks will enhance the company’s PR, draw people into stores and provide a good opportunity to promote its new movie, ‘Artic Tale’.
There is no work yet, on
whether similar discussions will take place in other countries
where Starbucks has a presence, such as Canada.
To prepare for the 'National Day of Discussion,' Starbucks teamed
up with environmental experts, including The Climate Group,
Conservation International, Earth Day Network, Earthwatch Institute
and Global Green USA to create discussion guides for use at
participating locations. Moderators from these groups will lead the
discussions at Starbucks locations in New York, Los Angeles,
Chicago, Washington D.C., Houston, San Francisco, Phoenix, Dallas,
Boston and Seattle.
The 'National Day of Discussion' is part of Starbucks efforts to
generate conversation around the issues of climate change
highlighted in the new family-friendly film 'Arctic Tale,' which
follows the real adventures of a walrus and polar bear as they
struggle to adapt to the realities of a changing
climate.
'Arctic Tale' offers us a fantastic opportunity to open a local
dialogue about the solutions to climate change in our everyday
life,' said Ken Lombard, president of Starbucks Entertainment. 'The
'National Day of Discussion' allows for communities to engage in
meaningful conversation about the climate crisis right inside our
stores.'
Further information about the 'National Day of Discussion,'
including locations of participating coffeehouses is available
online at www.starbucks.com.
Starbucks Entertainment recently teamed with Paramount Classics,
('An Inconvenient Truth') and National Geographic Films, ('March of
the Penguins') to build awareness for 'Arctic Tale,' which began
its limited theatrical engagement July 25, with a wider release
slated for August 17.
'Arctic Tale' tells the story of a walrus pup and a polar bear on
their life's journey from birth to adolescence to maturity and
parenthood in the frozen Arctic wilderness. Queen Latifah is the
Storyteller of 'Arctic Tale,' and the film features a compelling
soundtrack featuring artists from Aimee Mann, Brian Wilson, Ben
Harper to the Shins.
Starbucks support of 'Arctic Tale' aligns with the Company's
long-standing commitment to the environment and its support of
socially-responsible initiatives. Recognized by the EPA with a
Green Power Partner of the Year Award in December 2006, Starbucks
efforts to mitigate the effects of the climate crisis include
purchasing renewable energy, focusing on energy conservation, and
increasing public awareness.
