Environmental Defense Fund
Situation:
The threat posed by climate change has sparked worldwide concern over the actions of mankind and has prompted a move toward renewable energy sources. Florida, because it's uniquely susceptible to climate change, stands as a pivotal state for the national debate countering the threat.
Strategy:
The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) charged us with developing bipartisan support in the state's congressional delegation for federal cap-and-trade legislation. Additionally, we assisted in evolving a constituency supporting government and business efforts addressing the climate crisis at the state and federal level. These efforts included strategic partnerships, aggressively promoted high-visibility campaigns and earned media opportunities for EDF.
Outcome:
During the past year, Ron Sachs Communications launched and promoted a series of studies commissioned by EDF, planned and executed news conferences, coordinated statewide and national interviews, crafted and placed opinion editorials, produced a series of 30-second TV commercials, produced a documentary raising public and political awareness of the crisis and designed award-winning ads published in newspapers, influential trade publications and online sites.
In June 2008, a majority of the United States Senate voiced support for moving forward with the Climate Security Act, marking a turning point in the national climate policy debate. While the bill did not survive an onslaught of delaying tactics, it garnered important momentum, setting the stage for quick action in the next Congress.
