8.02.2007 - 08:01am ET

(CSRwire) SEATTLE, WA - August 2, 2007 - On August 15, Starbucks will host a "National Day of Discussion: Solutions to Climate Change" at coffeehouses in more than 60 U.S. cities to inspire conversations about the vital issue of climate change. Hosted by community leaders and non-governmental organizations with an expertise in environmental science, these friendly and informative discussions are designed to engage local participants in a dialogue about how to modify their impact on the planet by making simple, everyday decisions.

To prepare for the "National Day of Discussion," Starbucks teamed up with environmental experts, including The Climate Group, Conservation International, Earth Day Network, Earthwatch Institute and Global Green USA to create discussion guides for use at participating locations. Moderators from these groups will lead the discussions at Starbucks locations in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington D.C., Houston, San Francisco, Phoenix, Dallas, Boston and Seattle.

The "National Day of Discussion" is part of Starbucks efforts to generate conversation around the issues of climate change highlighted in the new family-friendly film "Arctic Tale," which follows the real adventures of a walrus and polar bear as they struggle to adapt to the realities of a changing climate.

"'Arctic Tale' offers us a fantastic opportunity to open a local dialogue about the solutions to climate change in our everyday life," said Ken Lombard, president of Starbucks Entertainment. "The 'National Day of Discussion' allows for communities to engage in meaningful conversation about the climate crisis right inside our stores."

Further information about the "National Day of Discussion," including locations of participating coffeehouses is available online at www.starbucks.com.

Starbucks Entertainment recently teamed with Paramount Classics, ("An Inconvenient Truth") and National Geographic Films, ("March of the Penguins") to build awareness for "Arctic Tale," which began its limited theatrical engagement July 25, with a wider release slated for August 17.

"Arctic Tale" tells the story of a walrus pup and a polar bear on their life’s journey from birth to adolescence to maturity and parenthood in the frozen Arctic wilderness. Queen Latifah is the Storyteller of "Arctic Tale," and the film features a compelling soundtrack featuring artists from Aimee Mann, Brian Wilson, Ben Harper to the Shins.

Starbucks support of "Arctic Tale" aligns with the Company's long-standing commitment to the environment and its support of socially-responsible initiatives. Recognized by the EPA with a Green Power Partner of the Year Award in December 2006, Starbucks efforts to mitigate the effects of the climate crisis include purchasing renewable energy, focusing on energy conservation, and increasing public awareness.

Starbucks

Starbucks Coffee Company (Nasdaq: SBUX) provides an uplifting experience that enriches people's lives one moment, one human being, one extraordinary cup of coffee at a time. To share in the experience, visit www.starbucks.com.

Conservation International

Conservation International's mission is to conserve our earth's living heritage - our global biodiversity - and to demonstrate that human societies are able to live harmoniously with nature. Learn more about CI and calculate and offset your climate footprint. Visit www.conservation.org/carboncalculator.

Earthwatch Institute

Earthwatch Institute is the world's largest international volunteer organization. They engage more than 4,500 volunteers annually in scientific research and education in more than 140 locations worldwide to promote the understanding necessary for a sustainable environment.

The Climate Group

The Climate Group is an independent, not-for-profit organization founded in 2004 to act as a hub for business and government leadership on climate change. The Climate Group operates internationally with offices in New York, Oakland, London, Australia, China and India.

Earth Day Network

Earth Day Network seeks to grow and diversify the environmental movement worldwide, and to mobilize it as the most effective vehicle for promoting a healthy, sustainable planet. It pursues these goals through education, politics, cultural events and consumer activism. Reduce your ecological footprint by pledging to switch your light bulbs at www.earthday.net.

Global Green USA

Global Green USA, the U.S. affiliate of President Gorbachev's Green Cross International, is a national environmental organization addressing three of the greatest challenges facing humanity: stemming global climate change by creating green buildings and cities, eliminating weapons of mass destruction that threaten lives and the environment, and providing clean, safe drinking water for the 2.4 billion people who lack access to clean water.

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