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Educating the Public

Issue

“While 41% of Americans see climate change as a ‘serious problem’, 33% see it as only ‘somewhat serious’ and 24% as ‘not serious’.”

— “Human Development Report 2007/2008,” United Nations

Just 2% of foundations’ U.S.-focused giving for climate change in 2007 supported public education

How can we increase public awareness about the serious threat posed by climate change?

Reach out to new and strategic audiences and empower individuals to take action to reduce emissions and conserve resources

— The 11th Hour Project

The 11th Hour Project

Nonpartisan public education and communication program to spread awareness about climate change and promote solutions
Launched in 2005 by the Schmidt Family Foundation
Foundation has contributed more than $2.4 million since 2006

Distributed “An Inconvenient Truth” to over 4,000 congregations and 500 colleges
Funded a 6,000-person DC youth rally to demand action on climate change by Congress
Helped fund “Altered State,” permanent exhibit on the effects of climate change at the California Academy of Sciences
Sponsored a two-year investigation of the coal industry and a documentary
Invested in the start-up of Climate Central, a nonprofit that will disseminate the latest research on climate change and its solutions