Protesters target ad giant Publicis
Extinction Rebellion activists staged a dramatic protest outside the headquarters of Publicis Groupe S.A. to criticize the global advertising giant for its ongoing contracts with fossil fuel companies. The protest featured street theater and escalated when activists chained themselves to the building's entrance, resulting in the arrest of ten individuals, including two minors. This demonstration occurred during a severe heatwave in New York City, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Concurrently, Extinction Rebellion London targeted WPP’s headquarters, another major advertising firm linked to fossil fuel clients.
Despite Publicis promoting climate-conscious initiatives, the company maintained 40 contracts with fossil fuel companies for 2023–2024, including campaigns for Saudi Aramco and TotalEnergies. Activists pointed out that Publicis's climate policy does not address fossil fuels, demanding that top executives sever ties with these companies and align their practices with climate science. A recent white paper from Climate Creatives emphasized the risks associated with such contracts and the market potential in renewable energy. Over 1,400 agencies globally have signed the Clean Creatives pledge to reject fossil fuel clients.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has criticized PR and advertising firms for contributing to climate destruction through greenwashing.
Publicis's actions were labeled a “green betrayal” by spokesperson Miles Grant, while 15-year-old Beatrice Beckler voiced her desire for a future with clean water and safe summers. Activists warned of potential reputational damage to Publicis and criticized the company for neglecting the impact of fossil fuels on vulnerable communities, particularly women affected by climate disasters.
This protest is part of a broader trend of climate activism targeting corporations linked to fossil fuel investments, with similar actions including chaining themselves to bank entrances and occupying corporate headquarters to demand systemic change.
