Ad giant WPP reported to global watchdog for promotion of polluting clients Campaigners have reported advertising giant WPP to an international corporate watchdog over its work for polluting clients including fossil fuel companies.
However, the complaint says this statement is inconsistent with WPP’s work to promote fossil fuel companies and other polluters, and that working for such clients opens WPP to the risk of greenwashing.
It alleges WPP’s work for clients including Shell, BP, British Airways, HSBC, Ford and Coca Cola “directly increases demand for carbon-intensive products and undermines global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions”.
“Our complaint clearly shows that by representing high emitting clients, WPP is in breach of its human rights, climate and environmental duties under the OECD Guidelines, he said.
It asks that WPP disclose the environmental impacts of its work, including its “advertised emissions”, implement meaningful due diligence processes and align its operations with internationally recognised climate and human rights standards.
