WPP and Publicis face global protests in June 2025 over fossil fuel ties. Activists demand an ad ban on polluters, citing greenwashing and climate hypocrisy.
As of June 2025, both WPP and Publicis Groupe received unprecedented protests across New York City and London as activists took to the streets. The reason for such outrage stems from claims that both advertising giants collaborate with fossil fuel companies, aiding in their climate destruction propaganda.
Cut The Ties To Fossil Fuels’ protest began at WPP, where campaigners took control of the reception area. In a show of defiance, they hung a huge 15-meter banner on the Thames along with the saying “WPP are Climate Criminals, Ban Fossil Fuel Advertising.” Participants took part in “die-ins,” wearing shrouds picturing brands of WPP’s oil clients and Coca-Cola Co. participating in pollution.
At the same time, Extinction Rebellion Mark II set up shop at the public stairways, shouting slogans against their oil contracts to join street performance by chaining up people demanding contracts to stay terminated. Protests fell under a record-breaking heatwave above 100°F, offering an extra punch about urgency targeting climate warmongering businesses.
According to reports, WPP has at least 79 contracts with major polluters, including BP, Shell, ExxonMobil, and Saudi Aramco. Publicis Groupe also has contracts with major oil companies, although holding a lower number at forty. These activists argue that the partnerships of these agencies undermine their sustainability policies or enable climate issues to persist unchecked.
For both companies, the public-facing marks for sustainability have been paired alongside accusations of greenwashing and hypocritical marketing practices that conceal client-sponsored environmental destruction. A notable case includes WPP, where it has been reported that “greenwashing training” was provided to its employees.
The protests exemplify a growing global movement urging advertisers to stop working with fossil fuel companies. Over 1400 agencies across 38 countries have signed the Clean Creatives pledge rejecting fossil fuel contracts. Advertisers are warned about reputation and financial risk should they choose to support pollutant entities and contradict these statements.
Looking ahead, the shift in strategy becomes available once WPP’s CEO exits in late 2025—scrutinized by activists as an opportunity for progress. There is mounting pressure from advertisers’ responses regarding climate action due to watching governments, shareholders, and consumers. Perhaps the future of advertising depends on integrating science, ethical principles, and genuine public expectations for climate action.
