"Worldulike": EU's Spin on Climate Change

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"A world you like. With a climate you like." This is the European Union's attempt to rebrand climate change, hoping people will choose a "Worldulike."

The website presents case studies of organizations that have taken saved energy expenses and, in some cases, redirected funds to better use, such as education.

World you Like

In a press release, Connie Hedegaard, European Commissioner for Climate Action, explains the new approach:

"We have a choice: We can ACT on our knowledge about climate change. Or we can sit idly by and watch as things get worse. Both options come with a price tag. So why not create a world we like, with a climate we like, while we still have time? With this campaign we want to focus the debate on the solutions and find out what is holding us back from applying them."

The name is already getting some ribbing from, for example, Roger Harrabin of BBC:  "The campaign title ‘Worldulike' will doubtless raise eyebrows. The name is uncomfortably reminiscent of the British baked potato restaurant chain Spudulike."

Discussion Starters:

  • Do you think the EU's campaign will be successful in getting people to make better decisions about energy use-and in meeting the EU's goal of reducing greenhouse gases by by 80 to 95 percent by 2050? Why or why not?
  • Choose one of the case studies on the website. What makes the example effective, and how could it be improved?