Page 125 - Carbon Capitalism and Communication Confronting Climate Crisis

114 K. SHEEHAN AND B. BREVINI

The scores are averaged together for the final index score.
BB: What have been the most relevant successes of the Index, and
what are the obstacles it faces?
KS: We used the information to inform the development of the FTC Green
Guides, and also to raise awareness of the need to scrutinize constitutive
communication elements (colours, images, fonts) in addition to the actual
rational or pragmatic message given in a message.
The obstacles are drawing awareness.
BB: How easy it was/is for you to get coverage of your activities in the
mainstream media? What about social media? Has that provided a new
platform for publicising your work?
KS: We got a lot of coverage when it kicked off due to the interactive
nature of the site, which was unique at the time. The popularity of the site
waxes and wanes with salience of the environment. Given the new
administration, it is challenging to anticipate where this all will go.
BB: With the inauguration of Trump’s presidency there is clearly more
uncertainty in the US about the possibility for climate action. Do you
think that this will have an impact on your activities?
KS: Yes. Our environment is in danger, and it will take more than a scrutiny
of branded messages to enact meaningful change.