Activists have pasted over out of home advertising in a number of cities to protest over Shell’s marketing campaigns, including its sponsorship of British Cycling.
Brandalism stated that it was calling out the oil giant’s “dodgy PR tactics” ahead of its London AGM.
More than 200 billboards in Manchester, London and other major cities have been hit including bus stops and tubes.
“To quote the tobacco marketers of the 1980s, “The problem is how do you sell death?,” stated Tona Merriman from Brandalism.
“Shell is on a mission to sell its own lethal legacy, using influencers, greenwash advertising, sports sponsorship and political connections to deflect attention from its growing contribution to climate breakdown, which is reversing decades of progress in health and causing death and destruction worldwide.
“Shell’s insidious tactics are straight out of Big Tobacco’s playbook, enabled by a toxic coterie of advertising and PR agencies who should be helping to kick fossil fuel companies into history, not boosting their brand.”
Those involved claim that Shell is using youth marketing, sports sponsorships and political lobbying.
Brandalism is an international collective of artists and activists and was founded to be “a revolt against the corporate control of our culture and space.”
In response, British Cycling has underlined its long-term commitment both to cycling across the country and sustainability.
“We respect people’s right to express their point of view and welcome any constructive engagement on our strategy and the energy transition,” said a Shell spokesperson.
“However, these protest ads are misleading, not constructive and completely mischaracterise the nature of our partnership with British Cycling.
“Shell UK continues to support British Cycling and the Great Britain Cycling Team’s cyclists and para-cyclists through the sharing of technology and innovation, widening access to cycling, and accelerating decarbonisation efforts.”
