When the environment is harmed it often takes years for the damage to manifest itself. These slow-to-unfold disasters can harm thousands, even millions of people who are unaware of the danger to which they have been exposed. The heart-breaking reality for most environmental disasters is that they are too big to litigate and the offenders are often long gone by the time victims become aware of their plight. They become lost in what appears to be a hopeless situation where no one can help them.
We believe there is a solution to these problems and the people hold the key. The EBF stands in a unique position as a trusted advocate and can initiate the process by collecting the data to study these large scale issues. By helping build awareness and empowering victims to build networks that allow them to connect and communicate, a stronger voice can emerge. This approach has been proven in many environmental disasters and is being refined into a replicable approach that can be deployed in any community.
The EBF also acts as a watchman for issues, often breaking news before the media does. This positions us on the front lines where we can continue to empower through ongoing efforts and emerging techniques as new tools are developed in social media and other web platforms. Information is power, and as data floods in, using that data as a powerful tool will provide the hope and path to success that so many have thus far found to be elusive.