United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres made a bold statement on World Environment Day by calling for a ban on advertising by the fossil fuels industry. He urged public relations firms and advertising agencies to stop representing fossil fuel companies, accusing them of being enablers to planetary destruction. Guterres highlighted the harmful impact of fossil fuels on the environment and emphasized the need for companies to prioritize sustainability over profit. Drawing parallels to the tobacco industry, he called for restrictions on advertising for products that harm human health, like tobacco, and advocated for similar measures for fossil fuels.
Guterres’ speech comes at a time when there is increasing evidence of misleading public information efforts by fossil fuel interests. Investigations and academic studies have revealed that some companies have used advertising and lobbying campaigns to sow doubt about the science of climate change. This includes instances where companies like Exxon Mobil have misrepresented information about climate change and hidden data that predicted the impacts of burning oil. A bicameral congressional investigation also found that oil and gas companies engaged in PR campaigns to confuse and mislead the public about climate science while promoting the use of fossil fuels.
The pressure is mounting on PR firms and ad agencies that represent coal, oil, and gas companies to align their work with climate change values. Clean Creatives, an organization focused on promoting sustainability in the advertising industry, has encouraged a shift away from representing greenhouse gas polluters. More than 1,000 agencies in 64 countries have pledged not to work with fossil fuel companies, demonstrating a growing movement within the industry to prioritize environmental responsibility. The largest PR firm on the list is Allison Worldwide, which joined the pledge last fall to showcase their commitment to climate action and attract like-minded clients.
In his address, Guterres referenced the popular TV series “Mad Men” to highlight the role of advertising and PR in fueling misinformation about climate change. The comparison to the show’s lead character, Don Draper, who worked with tobacco companies to evade health concerns, served as a reminder of the industry’s influence on public perception. Allison Worldwide’s Executive Vice President of Purpose, Whitney Dailey, emphasized the ethical responsibility of PR and advertising professionals in shaping cultural conversations, including climate change. She emphasized the potential for the industry to drive meaningful change by refusing work from oil, coal, and gas companies.
Guterres’ call for a ban on fossil fuels advertising sends a clear message to the industry to prioritize sustainability and align with climate action goals. By urging PR firms and ad agencies to refrain from representing fossil fuel companies, he is challenging the industry to use its influence for positive change. The growing movement within the advertising industry to shift away from representing polluting industries highlights a broader trend towards environmental responsibility and social impact. The comparison to the fictional characters in “Mad Men” serves as a reminder of the industry’s potential to shape public perception and drive meaningful change on critical issues like climate change.
