How We Reach Our Audiences
Mochi4thePlanet bridges the gap between complex research findings and practical applications of scientific discovery. We do so by translating insights we draw from our own interdisciplinary research and the broader climate change literature and creating digestible and actionable content tailored for diverse audiences.
Our knowledge mobilization efforts include the @mochi4theplanet social media campaign, the development of toolkits and informative videos. Through these resources, we aim to facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of the psycho-social dimensions of climate change, enable meaningful engagement with climate action, and support mental health and wellbeing.
@mochi4theplanet Social Media Campaign
The launch of Mochi4thePlanet in the Fall of 2021 marked the beginning of our journey to address climate distress and promote action among younger generations.Â
Mochi4thePlanet started as a youth-led social media campaign with the primary goal of raising awareness about the environmental crisis while fostering emotional resilience and motivating young individuals to participate in the fight against climate change. Â
Initially, the campaign was active on Instagram, Twitter (now X), Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. A few months in, we decided to focus our efforts on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube, and eventually settled on Instagram and YouTube as our primary platforms. Â
Recognizing Instagram as the most popular platform among our target demographic, we dedicated substantial resources and effort to build our presence there. Instagram became a focal point for engaging with young individuals. To expand our reach, we also organized a merchandise giveaway, which strategically attracted more followers to our page.Â
Mochi Animations
Original shorts featuring our Mochi mascot were crafted to capture viewers’ attention and inspire them to learn more about climate change and mental health. Each animation carries a unique message designed to motivate action. For example, the animation of Mochi being submerged with garbage highlights the urgency of environmental cleanup and encourages young people to take initiative. Meanwhile, the animation of Mochi practicing mindfulness in nature promotes the benefits of spending time outdoors and being mindful to support mental health. These animations are a key part of our strategy to educate and motivate our audience to take meaningful action in mitigating climate change.Â
YouTube Playlists
Our carefully curated YouTube playlists offer different perspectives on the topic of climate change, climate action, and mental health. These playlists, created by young people themselves, cover a diverse range of topics including understanding climate change, addressing climate change globally, youth climate activism, educating future generations, and ecotherapy. Additionally, the YouTube channel features the reveal for our upcoming video game, “Kibou | The Guiding Light” as well as personal stories from team members about their involvement with the Mochi4ThePlanet initiative. Â
Webinars
What is Eco-anxiety and How Can Educators Support Their Students Â
This webinar, presented in the spring of 2023 in collaboration with Teachers for Climate International, was designed for educators to deepen their understanding of eco-anxiety and learn strategies to support their students. Topics covered included global educational policy trends, the operationalization of eco-anxiety and its prevalence among young people worldwide and in Canada, and climate change emotional responses. The webinar also highlighted the importance of fostering positive emotions among students to promote climate action and well-being and encouraged educators to become part of the solution through personal, institutional, and professional actions, developing communities of practice within their institutions, and advocating for systemic or programmatic changes in schools.Â
