If you could send anyone into space to show them what’s happening to the planet, who would it be? So far, most people have chosen Donald Trump.

It’s The Monkeys’ idea, a bid on behalf of Friends of the Earth Australia to persuade world leaders to take better care of our planet. The social campaign, #sendasceptictospace, is asking people to send a climate change sceptic to space so he or she can shift their perspective and come back down to earth a more environmentally ethical person.

Sending…for real. Friends of the Earth is actually crowd-funding a ticket to send one of the worst climate sceptics, as voted by the people on earth, up into space to look down on earth…

…in the hope that a change in perspective and understanding will cause them to improve their environmental policies.

The idea is based on The Overview Effect, observed in astronauts. When they travel to space they get to view the earth from orbit and as they gaze down at the planet, they see a thin ozone layer, the effects of human impact and realise we are all on this earth together, and we’re destroying our only home. But it’s wasted on astronauts. Astronauts don’t write our laws or create the policies that can protect our planet. Our politicians do.

And although despite 97% of climate scientists agree climate change is real, some of the world’s most influential leaders shaping policies in countries including the USA, Australia, Canada and Russia still don’t get it.

The Monkeys co-founder and chief creative officer, Justin Drape, commented, “We hope our campaign for Friends of the Earth gets people taking notice of climate change and better yet taking action. When it comes to safeguarding the environment and future of our planet, #sendasceptictospace gives power to the people to choose the most influential climate change deniers they believe need the biggest change in perspective. Let’s hope they come back down to earth with a new mission to protect it.”

To view the climate change sceptic with the highest current ranking click here. At the time of writing, Donald Trump was 1st and Tony Abbott 3rd.

Friends of the Earth spokesperson, Cam Walker, commented, “Our vision is of a world where everyone’s needs are met in a way that safeguards the future of our environment. #sendasceptictospace aims to give our world leaders a chance to experience a new viewpoint when it comes to the importance of protecting our earthly home.”

Help to send a climate sceptic into space here.

twitter.com/SceptictoSpace

Credits:

Agency: The Monkeys
Executive creative director: Justin Drape
Executive planning director: Fabio Buresti
Interactive creative director: Morten Halvorsen
Creative director: Paul Bruce
Senior art director: Barbara Humphries
Senior copywriter: Tim Pashen
Front end developer: Lachlan Tweedie
Tech director: Pete Vahaviolos
Digital design lead: Eva Godeny
Digital designer: Laura Ives
Designer: Lauren Elliot
Digital planning directors: Grant Flannery & Tyson Rose
Planning director: Michael Hogg
Community Manager: Alexandra Gee
Editor: Matt Regan
Junior broadcast producer: Alex Gillespie
Digital executive producer: Sabrina Riedel
Senior digital producer: Alastair Reilly
Producer: Jo Johnston
PR: Larissa Meikle

Voice talent: Rupert Degas
Editor: Matt Regan
Music: Marcus Loeber
Sound: SongZu

Client: Friends of the Earth Australia
Campaign coordinator: Cam Walker
Fundraising coordinator: Phil Evans