New York, New York – Extinction Rebellion activists launched a dramatic protest outside the headquarters of Publicis Groupe S.A., calling out the global advertising giant for its contracts with fossil fuel companies.

The protest began with street theater and escalated as activists chained themselves to the building’s entrance.

Ten people were arrested, including two minors.

The protest took place amid a scorching heatwave, with New York City temperatures soaring above 100 degrees.

At the same time, Extinction Rebellion London targeted WPP’s headquarters, another major ad firm tied to fossil fuel clients.

Despite promoting climate-conscious initiatives, Publicis maintained 40 fossil fuel contracts in 2023–2024.

These included campaigns for Saudi Aramco and TotalEnergies.

Activists noted that Publicis’s climate policy does not mention fossil fuels at all.

They demanded that top executives—Arthur Sadoun, Andrew Bruce, and Susie Nam—cut all fossil fuel ties and align with climate science.

A new white paper from Climate Creatives highlighted the growing risks of such contracts and the market potential in renewables.

Over 1,400 agencies worldwide have signed the Clean Creatives pledge to reject fossil fuel clients.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned PR and ad firms for enabling climate destruction through greenwashing.

Scarlett Attina, a 17-year-old protester, declared, “They can’t just advertise their way out of climate collapse.”

Spokesperson Miles Grant called Publicis’s actions “green betrayal.”

Beatrice Beckler, 15, said she wants a future with clean water, blooming flowers, and safe summers.

Matthew Menzies warned of serious reputational damage to Publicis.

Devin Lilly criticized the company for ignoring how fossil fuels harm vulnerable communities, especially women in climate disasters.

Extinction Rebellion continues to fight through peaceful civil disobedience, urging governments and corporations to confront the climate crisis head-on.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download