The primary goal of the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) Transforming Petrochemicals initiative is to improve the health and well-being of environmental justice (EJ) communities, predominantly low-wealth communities of color, in the U.S. most impacted by the petrochemicals industry, focusing on the Houston Ship Channel, the Southeastern Gulf, and the Mississippi River Industrial Corridor. This initiative will signal to the global industry that the status quo of environmental pollution, externalities, and resulting economic and health consequences are no longer acceptable.
The initiative amplifies the voices of impacted and frontline communities, government leaders and EJ groups, and community-based organizations on the ground working on advocacy and protecting the health and human rights of people in communities that are overburdened by pollution and its effects on economic opportunity and health. This call to action, supported by qualitative and quantitative data, scientific insights, and data stories, will make a case for government leaders and the industry to take meaningful action on reforming petrochemicals.
Hummingbird completed a Community Snapshot Analysis Report to provide a sound understanding of the geographic footprint, current and past engagement efforts, key stakeholders, critical issues, and the communities objectives and desired outcomes to develop a communications strategy that addresses the needs of the community and organization. The Report includes FEMA National Risk Index and EPA EJScreen data analysis and an accompanying ArcGIS Storymap, media review, interviews with key community experts and stakeholders, identification of key community leaders and advocates, and recommendations to build on the initiative.
Partnerships, events, and advocacy will be accentuated with a steady drumbeat of communications, including stories, blog posts, social media, paid advertising, event participation, and earned media. Community voices will be shared and uplifted wherever possible throughout this initiative, co-creating communications strategies, messaging, materials and resources related to clean air and human health. Hummingbird developed a long-term and robust brand identity, strategy and website (clearcollab.org) to support and sustain ongoing communications, engagement, and advocacy.