public relations
Sustainability awards go to ad agencies with fossil fuel clients
Despite partnering with major polluters, advertising agencies WPP, Publicis Groupe and Edelman received top sustainability awards at Cannes Lions.
In short:
- Edelman won a sustainability award for an energy-saving campaign but has long-standing contracts with fossil fuel companies like Shell.
- Publicis Conseil and Renault were awarded for providing vehicles in "mobility deserts" despite Publicis Conseil’s past work with TotalEnergies.
- WPP agencies AKQA and Ogilvy also won sustainability awards while maintaining ties with oil giants such as BP and Chevron.
Key quote:
“In a warming world, every degree has a significant impact.”
— Edelman campaign voiceover
Why this matters:
Awarding sustainability honors to agencies with polluting clients illustrates the inconsistency in recognizing genuine environmental efforts. It raises concerns about the credibility of such awards and the ongoing influence of fossil fuel companies.
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