António Guterres
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UN secretary-general António Guterres calls for Ban on fossil fuel advertising
UN Secretary-General António Guterres' call to ban fossil fuel advertising marks a significant step towards reducing global dependency on fossil fuels and accelerating the transition to clean energy. This initiative is crucial in addressing the climate crisis, as it targets one of the main drivers of continued fossil fuel consumption: pervasive advertising and sponsorship by fossil fuel companies.
Fossil fuel advertisements perpetuate the normalization of high-carbon lifestyles, making it harder for societies to transition to sustainable energy sources. By promoting products and services that contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, these ads undermine efforts to combat climate change. Banning such advertisements, as Guterres suggests, would reduce the influence of fossil fuel companies and help shift public perception towards more sustainable practices and technologies.
Bans on fossil fuel advertising are coming—and sport should not be exempt
In a recent speech, UN secretary-general António Guterres called upon "every country to ban advertising from fossil fuel companies." He urged the professional services and creative industries to "stop taking on new fossil fuel clients, from today, and set out plans to drop your existing ones."
https://phys.org/news/2024-06-fossil-fuel-advertising-sport-exempt.html
The importance of this ban is underscored by the analogy Guterres himself made to tobacco advertising. Just as restricting tobacco ads has helped reduce smoking rates and improve public health, limiting fossil fuel advertisements could lead to a decrease in fossil fuel consumption and a corresponding reduction in carbon emissions. This approach not only targets consumer behavior but also pressures companies to pivot towards cleaner energy sources, further supporting the global shift to renewables.
One notable omission in Guterres' speech was the realm of sports, which is increasingly entwined with fossil fuel sponsorship. Sports sponsorships are highly effective marketing tools, leveraging the emotional connection and broad reach of sports to enhance brand reputation. Fossil fuel companies, along with banks financing fossil fuel projects and states invested in fossil fuels, have capitalized on this by sponsoring teams, events, and even entire leagues. This trend can be seen in the prominent placement of logos and names of SUV manufacturers, airlines, and cruise lines in sports arenas and on team uniforms.
The integration of fossil fuel sponsorship in sports is deeply problematic. Sports events reach millions of people worldwide, and the endorsement of fossil fuel companies through these platforms sends a message that contradicts the urgent need to address climate change. Furthermore, sports organizations and governing bodies, such as FIFA, have formed global partnerships with some of the largest polluters, exacerbating the issue.
The impact of fossil fuel advertising in sports is not limited to financial entanglements; it also affects public perception. The emotional and passionate nature of sports fandom can reduce negative attitudes towards fossil fuel sponsors, making it more challenging to build momentum for climate action. As climate change intensifies, it is likely that fossil fuel companies will continue to use sports sponsorship as a means to maintain their reputations and delay the transition to cleaner energy.
However, there is growing resistance to fossil fuel sponsorships across various sectors. Cities like Edinburgh have already implemented bans on such advertisements, including in sports venues. Cultural institutions, art galleries, and book festivals have also severed ties with fossil fuel sponsors due to public pressure and the realization of their role in perpetuating climate change.
Sport must now follow suit. As athletes and fans become more vocal about environmental issues, the pressure on sports organizations to reject fossil fuel sponsorship will increase. Activists and campaigners will continue to target major tournaments and events, highlighting the inconsistency between sports' global appeal and the detrimental effects of their sponsors' business practices.
By extending the advertising ban to include sports, the global community can send a clear message that the future lies in clean energy, not in fossil fuels. This move would not only curb fossil fuel dependency but also align the influential world of sports with the broader fight against climate change. Embracing this change would demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and set a powerful example for other industries, accelerating the transition to a greener, more sustainable world.
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4 w
All kinds of advertisements on fossil fuels should be stopped if at all we need to do away with them for good.
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30 w
It is a necessary step to counteract the powerful influence of fossil fuel advertising and to promote a more sustainable future.
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31 w
Fossil fuels should never be advertised in any platform.
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31 w
@grace_njeri_804 I totally agree that fossil fuels should never be advertised on any platform. I see so many advertisements for fossil fuel companies while I’m watching sports, and it makes me really angry.
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31 w
A great call by the SG
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31 w
@Kevin it is a great call indeed as it will render fossil fuels undesirable helping us curb its use in the world
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31 w
Great move, we need others to follow his example.
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31 w
@walter_lungayi its time we put our planet's and humanity's interest first before we thing of the profits its time to drop fossil fuels
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31 w
This is a great clarion call that will boost in the fight against fossil fuels. Stopping this promotions is a great way to discourage their use and production too.
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31 w
@joseph_githinji These companies have known for years about the damage their products are doing to our planet, and yet they continue to prioritize profit over people. I think a ban on fossil fuel advertising would be really helpful in raising awareness of the climate crisis and putting pressure on these companies to change their ways.
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31 w
Guterres is right to call for a ban on fossil fuel advertising in sports, as it aligns with efforts to combat climate change. Such sponsorship normalizes high-carbon lifestyles and undermines sustainability efforts. Extending the ban to sports sends a powerful message and accelerates the transition to clean energy.
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31 w
@munene_mugambi Also the sports teams should relent from receiving sponsorships from these companies
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31 w
This is a societal recognition of fossil energy being undesired
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31 w
@Raul Indeed, societal rejection of fossil energy sponsorship in sports signals a broader shift towards cleaner, sustainable alternatives. It reflects growing awareness of the environmental impacts and the urgent need for transformative action in combating climate change.
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31 w
@Raul and that is how it should be if only we want to conquer the fight against it
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31 w
@munene_mugambi It is a good start to show these companies that the world can thrive without their dirty money and the profits they make at the expense of our health and existence
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31 w
This is a positive call
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31 w
@Virginiah_391 it is also bold, necessary, and timely... the UN should make sure these plans for the ban are actualized.
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31 w
this is a crucial way of removing fossils from the limelight
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31 w
@annett_michuki Removing fossil fuel advertising from sports diminishes their prominence, crucially shifting focus towards sustainable energy sources. This step indicates the societal determination to prioritize environmental responsibility, fostering a culture that champions cleaner alternatives.
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31 w
@annett_michuki Yes because these advertisements create awareness, and perpetuate the idea that fossil fuels are acceptable and safe to use. In reality, fossil fuels are harmful to the environment and to our health.
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31 w
@munene_mugambi A ban on fossil fuel advertising would be a step in the right direction to address the climate crisis and to protect people from the harmful effects of fossil fuels.
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31 w
This ban should be universal.
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@boniface_kuria most definitely
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@boniface_kuria I second... this ban should touch on all sectors
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@Kevin if we do it the half-baked way... it won't have the desired effect... so it should be done once and for all