[1/10] Last year we submitted an application to @unicode, together with @RenewableUK, for a (long overdue) wind turbine emoji.

Unfortunately they rejected our application. (Thread) http://bit.ly/3qoe1bQ 

[2/10] The reason they gave for rejecting our application was that a “windmill” emoji was currently under review and “this would essentially duplicate most of the reasons for adding a wind energy device...as they are too similar.”

[3/10] Some background…

Unicode is the official body which releases new emojis each year. Anyone can submit an application for a new emoji BUT the process is pretty strict.

[4/10] The reasons given for creating your proposed emoji cannot be directly linked to a ‘cause’ i.e you can’t say “we should have a wind turbine emoji because it will indirectly help to tackle climate change” (even though it would).

[5/10] Evidence must be provided under various categories: expected usage levels, internet search frequency, distinctiveness etc.

So of course we included all the relevant evidence to make our case, showing that millions around the world would likely use a wind turbine emoji.

[6/10] It’s important to note that there is currently both a gas pump and an oil drum emoji but none to represent renewable energy.

[7/10] So it’s fair to say we were quite perplexed by their decision.

Windmills and wind turbines are very different tech and people would likely use these emojis in entirely different contexts.

[8/10] We need more discussion about how we do climate action, which technologies we use, who makes a profit, whose needs are taken into account.

[9/10] Emojis are an important part of how we talk to each other, so it only seems sensible that our vocabulary there should include symbols relating to climate change.

[10/10] We hope that once they begin accepting emoji applications again, they will reconsider, and offer some more climate themed emojis too.

But for now, watch this space.