BEAVERTON, Ore (29 February, 2008) – Climate change was on the minds of Nike employees as they gathered at WHQ’s Eugene Auditorium for a presentation and discussion on Focus the Nation’s (FTN) efforts to address climate change.
As a leading sponsor of the organization, Nike hosted the on-campus event to further educate employees on the impact that FTN made with its nationwide “Teach-Ins” held in January, and its future goals. An open discussion was held and more than 30 Nike employees voiced their support of the organization and its continuing efforts.
After a brief presentation and Q&A session, four FTN panelists fielded questions from Nike employees. One Nike employee sparked a discussion about industries using “green” coal, while others wanted to understand how the green movement would impact their children. One of the final questions from the audience related to Nike’s carbon footprint specifically: “How is Nike doing in comparison to other companies in the same industry?”
“Not all industries are in the business of greening the world. Product companies, like Nike, don't always have the time or resources to create the programs for change. But by supporting organizations like FTN, they are helping build a strong meeting ground for all players like NGOs, Businesses, Governments and Citizens to effectively join forces in finding solutions," said Minna Brown, Outreach Coordinator.
Brown also noted Nike’s leadership in the Sustainable movement by citing that in 2007 Nike was ranked the best green corporation by Climate Counts, a non-profit organization seeking solutions to climate change by bringing together consumers and corporations. Nike has been transparent about it’s commitment to climate change and listed specific goals in its FY05-06 Corporate Responsibility report.
Innovate For a Better World recently reported on the Focus The Nation events, which rallied together 1,900 schools, universities, faith-based institutions, businesses and members of Congress to raise awareness on the global climate crisis.