Over 450 scientists from across the world, but mostly from the US, have called on media executives to drop fossil fuel clients from their advertising campaigns so as to combat disinformation related to climate change.
Scientists, who may have been gathering in such large numbers for the first time, say that such publicity damages climate actions enormously and negatively
The challenge of overcoming advertising has been a major and unnecessary challenge for scientists who study and communicate climate change
PR efforts by fossil fuel companies that seek to obfuscate or downplay our data and the risks posed by the climate crisis."
Further they added "Misinformation campaigns are one of the biggest barriers to the government acting on the climate emergency, as science indicates is necessary,"
"We must eliminate nearly 50% of carbon pollution by this decade, and fully by 2050", the open letter by scientists asserts as the science is very clear. "That requires a rapid and immediate transition away from all fossil fuels.".
It is imperative that coal, oil, gas, and electricity companies move to a zero-carbon future immediately and unreservedly."
The open letter was published by Clean Creatives, a group of strategists, creatives, and industry leaders who are committed to a safe climate future. They believe that fossil fuel clients place us at risk.
PR and advertising agencies should drop all fossil fuel clients that plan to increase production of oil and gas if they want to help solve the climate emergency instead of escalating it.
The letter urges an end to work with fossil fuel companies and trade associations that perpetuate climate deception, a stop to all work hindering climate legislation, and a push for true climate solutions already available that must be adopted rapidly."