Markkanen Dunks for Climate Change

Professional basketball players have long led the charge when it comes to promoting social change. With the platforms of social media at their disposal, NBA players can spread a message out to millions in a matter of seconds and generate support (and resources) for their cause.

The Chicago Bulls‘ 7-footer Lauri Markkanen has taken to social media this year to raise awareness for a cause that’s near and dear to his heart: a rise in the strength and frequency of hurricanes due to global warming.

The 23-year-old Finnish hooper hopes to raise awareness of an issue that has affected many coastal cities around the world, and particularly the North Atlantic region.

There is some concerning data that indicates the rate of category 4 and 5 hurricanes will double by the end of the century, and that the Western North Atlantic may be hit the hardest.

The frequency of hurricanes has increased in the North Atlantic, hitting coastal cities hard. This is the Hurricane dunk, created together with @NesteGlobal to remind us about the extreme weather conditions. Find out more about #climatedunks at https://t.co/Vb0Xjput18 pic.twitter.com/pGnQ9gZIXL

— Lauri Markkanen (@MarkkanenLauri) December 17, 2020

Markkanen initially rolled out this campaign back in January, but the Bulls’ season ended shortly thereafter when the season was suspended due to COVID-19. With the 2020-21 season just around the corner, we’ll hopefully get a chance to see Lauri throw down a few of his Hurricane dunks in-game.

Make sure to follow Markkanen and the rest of his teammates with HoopSocial’s Chicago Bulls social media directory.