GE sponsors 15 year-old student's trip to raise environmental awareness among youth
FAIRFIELD, Conn.--Monday, March 22, 2010-- GE is supporting 15 year-old Parker Liautaud's campaign to inspire a 'new generation' of environmentally aware young people. Parker is launching his efforts with an attempt to become the youngest person to ski to the North Pole.
Parker, who has joint United States and French citizenship and goes to school in the United Kingdom, will spend eight to ten days on the polar ice this April with Arctic adventurer Doug Stoup. Parker hopes his expedition will help launch a new global digital network of environmentally aware young people. He will be reporting on his progress online through his Facebook Fan Page "The Last Degree" and his Twitter handle @parkerliautaud. Young people following Parker's progress on Facebook will be asked to share their ideas on how to improve the environment and increase awareness with the best thoughts and videos being submitted to the delegates at the next United Nations environment conference scheduled for May 2010 in Germany.
Parker said; "The aim of the trip is to reach young people in a relevant way, particularly by communicating about the expedition via social media."
Beth Comstock, GE chief marketing officer said, "Parker is a real inspiration. He has been working hard preparing for his trip and we are looking forward to learning from his experience and seeing how it inspires action in young people. At GE, we're focused on finding solutions to tough challenges that require creativity and collective action. We're happy to partner with Parker to inspire a dialogue that will help lead to change."
In addition to sponsoring the expedition, GE is also providing event® waterproof fabric featuring its Direct Venting Technology, for the apparel worn by Parker and his guide. The fabric will be included in the gear provided by Rab, a technical outdoor gear manufacturer that specializes in clothing created for and tested in extreme environments.
Links
Facebook Fan Page: www.facebook.com/thelastdegree
Twitter: www.twitter.com/parkerliautaud
Ecomagination: www.ecomagination.com
GE's eVent fabrics: www.eventfabrics.com
Rab: www.equipuk.com
GE (NYSE: GE) is a diversified infrastructure, finance and media company taking on the world's toughest challenges. From aircraft engines and power generation to financial services, and medical imaging, GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs about 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com.
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Megan (Parker) Newhouse
GE Corporate
[email protected]
1-646-682-5605
1-203-414-1257