I recently read an article on the New York Times called “Bengal Tigers May Not Survive Climate Change.”

Obviously, I was sad. Tigers are one of my favorite animals. In fact, I named my cat, Tiger, after one. 

Then, I started thinking. What does this mean for organizations that have mascots that are animals currently on the endangered species list? A.K.A. The Cincinnati Bengals.

I began to look at the Cincinnati Bengals community tab on its website and realized that currently the organization does not work to conserve the life of the species that its named after. It doesn’t even have an environmental CSR program. What an opportunity.

Climate change is a threat to the Bengal tiger population. A study recently found that up to 96 percent of tigers in the Sundarbans could be wiped out with an increase in sea level of 11 inches. No suitable habitats are predicted to exist for Bengal tigers in India, the tiger’s primary living habitat, by the year 2070, approximately 50 years from now. 

The Cincinnati Bengals should come forward and partner with other organizations to save the tigers and to prevent climate change.

So, what would this program look like? Here are five different solutions:

1. Promote Going Green

Bet ya didn’t see that one coming? But, seriously. Encourage fans to take public transportation to the game. Do some sort of promotion for it with athletes to have fans see that anyone can take the bus– even NFL players. 

Recently the Bengals’ stadium, Paul Brown Stadium, announced that it would be making strives to become more renewable. This program should be expanded and promoted to fans as a way to save the Bengals.

2. Build Partnerships

The Bengals should partner with an organization like the World Wildlife Fund which works to protect Bengal tigers. Nike currently has the rights for NFL uniforms; however, the three could partner and create a one-time Bengal uniform that’s proceeds go toward conservation efforts.

If Nike was not on board with this partnership, the Bengals could offer some sort of other merchandise that’s proceeds go toward organizations looking to save the tigers.

3. Educate Fans

The Bengals should implement an interactive fan booth at games that teaches fans about Bengal tigers and climate change. The booth could involve spinning a wheel, and the fan has to answer some sort of trivia. If answered correctly, the fan could win a small prize like a trading card.

By doing this, the Cincinnati Bengals will be able to educate future generations about healthy lifestyle patterns they can implement to save endangered species.

4. Donate to causes that prevent illegal hunting

Since donating to climate change research may be too political of an issue, the Cincinnati Bengals should donate to organizations that work to prevent animals from being illegally hunted.

Poaching also puts tigers in greater danger of extinction, but by donating to organizations like the International Anti-Poaching Foundation or the World Wildlife Fund, the Bengals can work to save its beloved mascot.

5. Prevent Food Waste

One-third of all food is wasted. This waste produces unnecessary carbon emissions. The Cincinnati Bengals should prioritize food waste by ensuring that the food prepared at games is only available if ordered. Although it may increase wait time, it will decrease unnecessary carbon emissions and improve the environment. 

These are just a few of my personal pointers, but there is much more to be done. To learn more about how you can prevent climate change, click here and for more information about Bengal tiger conservation, click here.