Google’s ‘Innovate or Die’ contest helped to raise awareness about the challenges developing nations face when it comes to access to clean water. Furthermore, the initiative goes beyond a basic information campaign by generating some very promising solutions to the problem. These innovations join the likes of Life Straw, another water purification tool that hopes to make a positive impact. Unfortunately such technological developments in the health sector tend to get drowned out in a sea of noise generated by consumer products ranging from the latest iPod to yesterday’s leading HD-DVD format. Ultimately this decreases overall recognition of the importance of safe water in our daily lives and the billions of people who still do not have basic access.
So it’s back to the black art of advertising, where experts throw chicken bones to come up with a campaign, which brings this tragic reality to the forefront. Solidarités, a French-based humanitarian organization did just that with a set of shock and awe posters, which are riddled with horrific stats and comparisons to terrorism. Whether or not this campaign will be successful on a massive scale remains to be seen, but at least you’ve had a chance to absorb the disturbing message. Be sure to pass it on.
