A few weeks ago when the tanker Pasha Bulker ran aground in wild weather in Australia the thought of using it as part of a brands overall marketing mix wasn't probably on anyone's radar.  Last night, however, the environmental group Greenpeace used the grounded tanker to conduct an extremely effective high profile protest.  The words "coal causes climate chaos" and "this is what climate change looks like" were projected on the tanker with a red laser, protesting against Australia's continuing use of coal as an energy source.

Greenpeace Australia CEO Steve Shallhorn said, "This coal carrier is highly symbolic.  We know burning coal causes climate change and, consequently, extreme weather impacts such as the fierce storms that lashed NSW causing the Pasha Bulker to run aground. Yet very few commentators have made the ironic link between the coal carrier and climate change.”

A powerful and relevant message in the ongoing global conversation of global warming comes to life in such a unique and memorable way through this activity.  Greenpeace is known for always pushing the envelope with in-your-face protests which can upset some and shock others - all generating news to deliver their messages.  This one is less on the shock side and more on the clever side - reminding us that if you take a different look at anything and everything happening in life around us you can find opportunities for creative ways to further engage people in a new way.