Ad giant WPP accused of breaking International Guidelines on Climate and Human Rights

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🗞️ Driving the news: Climate campaigners Adfree Cities and the New Weather Institute have filed an OECD complaint against WPP, the world's largest advertising firm
• They accuse WPP of violating international guidelines by helping fossil fuel giants like BP, Shell, and TotalEnergies continue polluting
• This is the first-ever OECD complaint against an advertising company

🔭 The context: The complaint alleges WPP enables environmental harm by running misleading green campaigns for fossil fuel firms and other high-pollution industries like aviation and plastics
• UK regulators have previously banned WPP ads for greenwashing, including misleading campaigns for Shell and HSBC
• If upheld, the complaint could force WPP to drop polluting clients and disclose “advertised emissions” from its work

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Fossil fuel advertising shapes public perception, delaying climate action by making polluters appear greener than they are
• The UN has called on ad firms to stop working with fossil fuel clients, branding them “enablers to planetary destruction” 
• Holding WPP accountable could set a precedent for the ad industry’s role in climate responsibility

⏭️ What's next: The OECD will review the complaint to decide whether to accept it, potentially leading to mediation or reputational fallout for WPP
• If found in breach, WPP may face pressure to cut ties with fossil fuel clients
• The case could influence regulations on greenwashing and climate-related advertising worldwide

💬 One quote: "Stop taking on new fossil fuel clients, from today, and set out plans to drop your existing ones." — António Guterres, UN Secretary-General

📈 One stat: WPP holds at least 79 contracts with fossil fuel companies, more than any of its major advertising rivals. See also the sustainability performance of WPP on Data Hub™.

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