RepublicEns are Changing the Climate Conversation

Climate change, fact or fiction? Republican issue or Democrat talking point? Ask most people about climate change and you’re likely to get various answers and talking points. With our country facing an impending energy crisis and constant confusion on the ever-present debate swirling around climate change, RepublicEn, a non-profit organization based out of Fairfax, VA has place itself front and center of the issue.

Dubbed as “Energy Optimists and Climate Realists,” RepublicEn is part of the the Energy and Enterprise Initiative at George Mason University and is working diligently to change the conversation about climate change.

In a world where climate change and global warming are viewed as partisan stances and considered evil phraseology based on junk science (depending on who you ask), RepublicEn has not wasted any time trying to change the perception and steer the conversation in a new direction.

Teaming up with climate scientists from Berkeley Earth, and are targeting Millennials across the country, RepublicEn aims to bring a fresh take on the ongoing climate debate. In a recent study by Deloitte, Millennials cite climate change and protecting the environment as one of the top three issues facing society. Taking into account these surveys, the organization decided to bring their campaign to where Millennials gather, on social media.

While the organization is still new, their guerrilla approach in using social media has proven to be effective, and their message has spreading like wildfire. From Facebook to Instagram to Twitter, RepublicEns can be seen everywhere pushing their climate realist approach in hopes to garner traction in time for the next election cycle.

Even with 2016 being months away, this organization is not wasting any time in grassroots organizing and getting their message out. Be it swag or tweets, Millennials are embracing the ideals of finding a common sense solution to the ongoing debate of climate change. While it might not be a hot button issue this year, as campaigns ramp up, RepublicEns may very well find themselves at the center of the climate conversation. My advice to them is, keep your sunglasses on, because the future is so bright you’ll need to wear shades.