With only a few months to go before the COP21, which is expected to be one of the most important climate summits of the past years, it is more important than ever that we take action, seek out solutions, and get mobilised to pressure governments into taking concrete measures in December. But how can we inform and mobilise the public on these issues, which are often rather complex and can seem remote from our daily concerns? Place to B, a movement launched by the journalist Anne-Sophie Novel in 2014, has set itself the task to shed light on this very question.
Place to B: Inform and Unite
It all began with a survey into ‘The French and the Climate’ carried out by BVA on behalf of Place to B. It revealed that for the majority of respondents, the climate is not a priority. It is not talked about enough, and what is more, we should talk about it in a better, more concrete and positive manner.
The internet and social media sites are now occupying an important place in our daily lives, and it has become increasingly difficult to sort through the wealth of information we receive every day. It is not easy to talk about the climate, and if we want to inform the public on the various related issues, the media must disseminate clear information comprehensible to all.
Place to B is taking a new approach to climate information, leaving out the scientific jargon and avoiding the clichés of apportionment of blame. It promotes first and foremost a positive attitude on their website and on the social networks by gathering and highlighting the initiatives organised by all the people who are already involved in changing things today.
Where will you be during the COP21?
Place to B is also a physical location. The team has taken up residence in a youth hostel not far from Paris Le Bourget, where the COP21 will take place in a few months’ time. During the summit, it will become a place of residence for bloggers, journalists, writers, filmmakers, etc. from around the globe, but it also already offers a space for work meetings, conferences, and various gatherings: a space to create and exchange together!
In order to boost local initiatives, Place to B is also taking root in Bordeaux, Nantes, and Toulouse, and soon also in Lyon and Lille, and everyone is free to start a Place to B movement in other cities and territories. Each of these cities will mount climate-related activities prior to and following the COP21. The aim is to unite locally-engaged actors and increase the weight of their actions, be it through mediatisation, the creation of an innovative media format (radio, video, etc.), or by setting up original events.
Faced with a challenge that concerns every one of us, it is crucial that we all work together. This is why Surfrider has joined the Place to B movement as a COPilot. Over the coming weeks, common projects should spring up in Bordeaux – but we will not reveal any more for now!
And where will you be during the COP21?
Emilie Chavaroche, Environment Editor
This is Place To Be!
