In a powerful speech in New York, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for a global ban on fossil fuel advertising, likening the need for restrictions to those imposed on tobacco advertising.
Guterres labeled fossil fuel companies as the “Godfathers of climate chaos,” urging governments to take decisive action.
“Many governments restrict or prohibit advertising for products that harm human health, like tobacco,” Guterres stated. “I urge every country to ban advertising from fossil-fuel companies. And I urge news media and tech companies to stop taking fossil-fuel advertising.”
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As climate records are shattered and emissions continued to rise, UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a stark message about the state of the climate.
He highlighted the severe risks leaders were taking and emphasized the urgent actions that companies and countries, particularly the G7 and the G20, needed to undertake over the next eighteen months to preserve humanity’s chances of a livable future.
Guterres also presented new data from the World Meteorological Organization and The Copernicus Climate Change Service.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres:
“Many in the fossil fuel industry have shamelessly greenwashed, even as they have sought to delay climate action – with lobbying, legal threats, and massive ad campaigns.”
“They have been aided and abetted by advertising and PR companies – Mad Men – remember the TV series – fuelling the madness.
“I call on these companies to stop acting as enablers to planetary destruction. Stop taking on new fossil fuel clients, from today, and set out plans to drop your existing ones.”
“Many governments restrict or prohibit advertising for products that harm human health – like tobacco. Some are now doing the same with fossil fuels.”
“I urge every country to ban advertising from fossil fuel companies. And I urge news media and tech companies to stop taking fossil fuel advertising,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said.
Reactions to Fossil Fuel Advertising Ban
Following Guterres’ remarks, the climate communications group Comms Declare has amplified the call, urging governments and media to heed the UN’s plea.
Comms Declare founder Belinda Noble highlighted Australia’s history as a leader in banning tobacco advertising and stressed the need for similar action against coal, petroleum, and gas.
“Australia has a proud legacy of being a world leader in banning tobacco advertising. We must now do the same with coal, petroleum, and gas,” Noble said.
“Any government that continues to allow fossil fuel advertising is putting industry profits ahead of our future, and any agency or media outlet that enables climate pollution is complicit in the destruction of a stable climate.”
Noble also pointed out that sixteen Australian councils, including the City of Sydney, have already voted to restrict fossil fuel ads and sponsorships on community land, urging others to follow suit.
“Stopping fossil fuels begins with stopping fossil fuel ads and sponsorships,” she added.
Guterres’ speech also criticized fossil-fuel firms for “distorting the truth, deceiving the public, and sowing doubt” about climate science. He called on public relations and media companies to sever ties with oil, gas, and coal industries.
“I call on these companies to stop acting as enablers to planetary destruction. Stop taking on new fossil-fuel clients, from today, and set out plans to drop your existing ones. Fossil fuels are not only poisoning our planet – they’re toxic for your brand,” Guterres declared.
Comms Declare represents 100 organizations and hundreds of communications professionals who have committed to not promoting the growth of fossil fuels, high greenhouse gas pollution as ‘business as usual’, or any deception, distraction, or spin around science or climate actions.
The group encourages agencies to work for the good of the climate, acknowledging that Australia is a major exporter of fossil fuels. Comms Declare also organizes the annual F-list awards and runs the Fossil Ad Ban campaign.
Launched in mid-2022, Fossil Ad Ban is dedicated to advocating for restrictions on fossil fuel advertising and sponsorships in Australia. Sixteen councils, including the City of Sydney, have already moved to restrict fossil fuel ads on council property or at events.
The campaign’s mission also includes mandating greenhouse pollution labels on carbon-intensive products and services.
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