Latest news with #BreaktheFossilInfluence
Scoop
5 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Health Community Responds To Shell's PR Company Winning COP30 Climate Contract
Brasilia, Monday, August 4, 2025:- Responding to reports that PR company Edelman, which handles the global PR account for fossil fuel giant Shell, has won a contract to provide COP30 media services to the Brazilian presidency, Global Climate and Health Alliance Executive Director Dr Jeni Miller said: 'Hiring a PR company that earns millions from downplaying the fossil fuel industry's role in the climate crisis, to handle communications for this year's UN climate conference where countries come together to negotiate global climate action presents a serious conflict of interest. Climate change is already causing terrible impacts to livelihoods, health and wellbeing around the world, with health systems being pushed to the brink.' 'With disinformation developed by PR agencies for fossil fuel companies driving decades of delayed action, allowing the climate crisis to worsen dramatically, COP host countries must take every step possible to keep fossil fuel influences out of these crucial climate talks.' Recognizing the profound threat that disinformation poses, just this month, Brazil joined four other countries declaring an 'ethical and political imperative' to tackle disinformation and other threats to democracy (English translation here) 'Naming the problem is vital. The next step must be to align action with those words', added Miller. 'Brasil should reconsider its contract with Edelman, and future host countries should take a clear stand that will avoid this kind of conflict of interest and prevent the influence of the fossil fuel industry on negotiations to deal with the problem that industry created.' GCHA is calling on Australia and Turkey, the countries vying to host next year's COP, to set a new standard for hosting countries by committing to: Not hire PR or communications firms that also have fossil fuel industry clients. No fossil fuel industry sponsorships. No fossil fuel industry representatives or former representatives in the presidency team. No fossil fuel industry representatives or former representatives in the host country's own delegation. About Edelman: Edelman has a long and well established history of helping health-harming industries. Until 1997, Edelman led PR for the RJ Reynolds tobacco company, using strategies to create doubt about the science showing tobacco to be harmful to health, and working to delay or fend off regulation. The PR firm has used some of the same strategies to create doubt about climate change, in support of fossil fuel clients. About the Break the Fossil Influence Campaign: Since May of this year, more than 60 health organizations have joined the Break the Fossil Influence campaign, pledging not to work with communications agencies that also support the fossil fuel industry. On Friday August 1st, two prominent health professionals, Edward Maibach and Dr. Jemilah Mahmood published an article on Health Policy Watch calling for health organisations to join the Break the Fossil Influence initiative by committing to work only with PR and advertising agencies that do not serve fossil fuel clients. 'This is not just a reputational risk—it's an ethical failure', they write. 'A health organisation that contracts a PR firm that actively helps fossil polluters is undermining its own mission. It sends a dangerous message to the public: that it's acceptable to fight disease with one hand while enabling its cause with the other. It's time for the health sector to show leadership.'
Scoop
24-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Over 30 Health Organisations Shun PR And Ad Agencies That Work For Fossil Fuel Industry
Press Release – Global Climate and Health Alliance To support more organisations in making the Fossil-Free Health Communications commitment, the Global Climate and Health Alliance has published Break the Fossil Influence – Guidance for Health Organizations to Screen PR & Media Agencies. Geneva, 22 May 2025:- Thirty influential health organisations representing the interests of over 12 million health professionals worldwide — including major global health voices and health professional associations at the international, national, and regional levels—have signed a commitment to no longer work with PR and ad agencies that also provide services to the fossil fuel industry. The organisations have signed up to the Break the Fossil Influence – Fossil-Free Health Communications campaign, which launched today during the World Health Assembly (WHA 78) in Geneva. Organisations that have made the commitment include Amref Health Africa, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), The Lancet, along with the International Federation of Medical Students' Associations, (IFMSA), the World Federation of Public Health Association(WFPHA), World Organisation of Family Doctors (WONCA), Yale Center on Climate Change and Health, the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health and UK Health Alliance on Climate Change (UKHACC). To support more organisations in making the Fossil-Free Health Communications commitment, the Global Climate and Health Alliance has published Break the Fossil Influence – Guidance for Health Organizations to Screen PR & Media Agencies. 'Fossil fuels are making people sick—and the companies behind them are spending millions on advertising and PR to cover it up', said Shweta Narayan, Campaign Lead at the Global Climate and Health Alliance, which developed the initiative. 'The same PR firms spreading fossil fuel disinformation are also working with health organizations—a clear conflict of interest for health. Through the Break the Fossil Influence – Fossil-Free Health Communications commitment, health organizations are leading by example by cutting ties with agencies that provide services to the fossil fuel industry.' 'Health organizations have great power that they can bring to bear in their hiring of advertising, marketing, and design companies by choosing to work only with agencies that do not take money from fossil fuel companies', said Jeni Miller, Global Executive Director of Climate and Health Alliance. 'The Fossil-Free Health Communications Commitment is a way for the health sector to show leadership not just by speaking out or by making their own operations sustainable and climate resilient, but by refusing to work with businesses that support polluters.' 'Just like health leaders once stood up to Big Tobacco and its advertising, it's time to stand up to Big Oil', continued Miller. 'By making the Fossil-Free Health Communications commitment, organizations are demonstrating that they won't help spread fossil fuel disinformation, and will use every tool they have, including their ad and PR dollars to protect people's health and the planet.' 'Ad and PR agencies should listen to the overwhelming medical evidence of the harm of fossil fuels, and drop polluting clients immediately. Fossil fuel pollution is a threat to every aspect of human health, and incompatible with the business goals of the rest of the ad industry', said Duncan Meisel, Executive Director, Clean Creatives. 'The organisations signing this new commitment are laying down an important marker for the entire health sector: agencies with fossil fuel clients have a clear conflict of interest for any company trying to protect human health.' Fossil fuels are making people sick—and the companies behind them are spending millions on advertising and PR to cover it up. The Break the Fossil Influence – Fossil-Free Health Communications campaign is calling on health organizations to lead by example: to stop working with PR and ad agencies that also work for the fossil fuel industry. 'It is important as a health industry to make a stand, like we did during the anti-tobacco campaign, that we will not engage with PR companies and advertising agencies that are assisting fossil fuel companies to conceal the truth. And by doing so, we will force them to make the right choice. And the right choice is a choice for health and for healthy communities.' – Dr Githinji Gitahi, Group CEO, Amref Health Africa 'As health professionals guided by humanitarian values, we have a responsibility to speak out when public health is under threat. Fossil fuels are at the heart of a growing global health crisis, and the PR and advertising firms that help obscure this reality undermine efforts to protect lives. We call on our peers and institutions to reconsider partnerships with agencies that serve fossil fuel interests. Aligning our communications with our mission is essential to safeguarding health and maintaining public trust.' – Dr Maria Guevara, International Medical Secretary for Médecins Sans Frontières 'We, the health community, have a duty to warn humanity about the profound health harms being created by burning fossil fuels—including from air pollution and climate change—and to act on that knowledge. The public relations and advertising agencies that represent fossil fuel companies—coal, oil, and gas companies—are aiding and abetting these profound harms to public health. We must take a stand by refusing to work with any marketing agency that works with fossil fuel companies. Our duty, our integrity, and our credibility demand nothing less'. – Edward Maibach, Director, George Mason University Center for Climate Change Communication and Member, National Academy of Medicine and Former Worldwide Director of Social Marketing, Porter Novelli 'As nurses, we recognize climate change as one of the greatest public health threats of our time. Every day, health professionals around the world are taking care of patients with health conditions like asthma, problems with pregnancies, cardiac issues, and more, that are exacerbated by climate change driven by fossil fuel pollution. For decades, fossil fuel companies have misled the public and obstructed climate action. As health professionals and health organizations, we need to hold ourselves to the highest standards and should not do business with PR and communications firms that also work with fossil fuel companies. Their history of disinformation has no place within the healthcare community.' – Katie Huffling, Executive Director, Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments 'As family doctors, we see how air pollution and climate change, driven by fossil fuels, harm our patients' health daily. We must advocate for a rapid, just transition to clean energy for the sake of current and future generations.' – Prof Karen Flegg, President, World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) 'As health leaders we want to breathe life into solutions to climate change so we can safeguard health, wellbeing and life. We need to turn off the oxygen of the fossil fuel industry and the communication they use to deceive and persist.' – Michele Isles, CEO, Climate and Health Alliance, Australia 'The climate crisis is a health crisis, and Canada is already experiencing its effects – from wildfires to extreme weather and rising insurance costs. Health, housing, food, and financial security are all at risk. Governments must act with courage and urgency. Yet, the fossil fuel industry – supported by misleading advertising and public relations tactics, much like those once used by the tobacco industry – continues to sow confusion and delay meaningful action. As health professionals and system leaders, we must cut ties with advertising and PR agencies that serve the fossil fuel industry. We must make it clear that we care about health – and we do not want their services. Join the Break the Fossil Influence campaign – and demand fossil-free health communications.' – Doris Grinspun, Chief Executive Officer, Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) 'In a world on fire, health professionals must lead with truth. We cannot claim to protect life while partnering with those who profit from its destruction. It's time for the climate and health community to cut ties with the PR machines fueling fossil fuel deception—because silence is complicity, and health demands courage.' — Dr. Kate Wylie, CEO, Doctors for the Environment Australia
Scoop
24-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Over 30 Health Organisations Shun PR And Ad Agencies That Work For Fossil Fuel Industry
Geneva, 22 May 2025:- Thirty influential health organisations representing the interests of over 12 million health professionals worldwide — including major global health voices and health professional associations at the international, national, and regional levels—have signed a commitment to no longer work with PR and ad agencies that also provide services to the fossil fuel industry. The organisations have signed up to the Break the Fossil Influence - Fossil-Free Health Communications campaign, which launched today during the World Health Assembly (WHA 78) in Geneva. Organisations that have made the commitment include Amref Health Africa, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), The Lancet, along with the International Federation of Medical Students' Associations, (IFMSA), the World Federation of Public Health Association(WFPHA), World Organisation of Family Doctors (WONCA), Yale Center on Climate Change and Health, the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health and UK Health Alliance on Climate Change (UKHACC). To support more organisations in making the Fossil-Free Health Communications commitment, the Global Climate and Health Alliance has published Break the Fossil Influence - Guidance for Health Organizations to Screen PR & Media Agencies. 'Fossil fuels are making people sick—and the companies behind them are spending millions on advertising and PR to cover it up', said Shweta Narayan, Campaign Lead at the Global Climate and Health Alliance, which developed the initiative. 'The same PR firms spreading fossil fuel disinformation are also working with health organizations—a clear conflict of interest for health. Through the Break the Fossil Influence – Fossil-Free Health Communications commitment, health organizations are leading by example by cutting ties with agencies that provide services to the fossil fuel industry.' 'Health organizations have great power that they can bring to bear in their hiring of advertising, marketing, and design companies by choosing to work only with agencies that do not take money from fossil fuel companies', said Jeni Miller, Global Executive Director of Climate and Health Alliance. 'The Fossil-Free Health Communications Commitment is a way for the health sector to show leadership not just by speaking out or by making their own operations sustainable and climate resilient, but by refusing to work with businesses that support polluters.' 'Just like health leaders once stood up to Big Tobacco and its advertising, it's time to stand up to Big Oil', continued Miller. 'By making the Fossil-Free Health Communications commitment, organizations are demonstrating that they won't help spread fossil fuel disinformation, and will use every tool they have, including their ad and PR dollars to protect people's health and the planet.' 'Ad and PR agencies should listen to the overwhelming medical evidence of the harm of fossil fuels, and drop polluting clients immediately. Fossil fuel pollution is a threat to every aspect of human health, and incompatible with the business goals of the rest of the ad industry', said Duncan Meisel, Executive Director, Clean Creatives. 'The organisations signing this new commitment are laying down an important marker for the entire health sector: agencies with fossil fuel clients have a clear conflict of interest for any company trying to protect human health.' Fossil fuels are making people sick—and the companies behind them are spending millions on advertising and PR to cover it up. The Break the Fossil Influence - Fossil-Free Health Communications campaign is calling on health organizations to lead by example: to stop working with PR and ad agencies that also work for the fossil fuel industry. 'It is important as a health industry to make a stand, like we did during the anti-tobacco campaign, that we will not engage with PR companies and advertising agencies that are assisting fossil fuel companies to conceal the truth. And by doing so, we will force them to make the right choice. And the right choice is a choice for health and for healthy communities.' - Dr Githinji Gitahi, Group CEO, Amref Health Africa 'As health professionals guided by humanitarian values, we have a responsibility to speak out when public health is under threat. Fossil fuels are at the heart of a growing global health crisis, and the PR and advertising firms that help obscure this reality undermine efforts to protect lives. We call on our peers and institutions to reconsider partnerships with agencies that serve fossil fuel interests. Aligning our communications with our mission is essential to safeguarding health and maintaining public trust.' - Dr Maria Guevara, International Medical Secretary for Médecins Sans Frontières 'We, the health community, have a duty to warn humanity about the profound health harms being created by burning fossil fuels—including from air pollution and climate change—and to act on that knowledge. The public relations and advertising agencies that represent fossil fuel companies—coal, oil, and gas companies—are aiding and abetting these profound harms to public health. We must take a stand by refusing to work with any marketing agency that works with fossil fuel companies. Our duty, our integrity, and our credibility demand nothing less'. - Edward Maibach, Director, George Mason University Center for Climate Change Communication and Member, National Academy of Medicine and Former Worldwide Director of Social Marketing, Porter Novelli 'As nurses, we recognize climate change as one of the greatest public health threats of our time. Every day, health professionals around the world are taking care of patients with health conditions like asthma, problems with pregnancies, cardiac issues, and more, that are exacerbated by climate change driven by fossil fuel pollution. For decades, fossil fuel companies have misled the public and obstructed climate action. As health professionals and health organizations, we need to hold ourselves to the highest standards and should not do business with PR and communications firms that also work with fossil fuel companies. Their history of disinformation has no place within the healthcare community.' - Katie Huffling, Executive Director, Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments 'As family doctors, we see how air pollution and climate change, driven by fossil fuels, harm our patients' health daily. We must advocate for a rapid, just transition to clean energy for the sake of current and future generations.' - Prof Karen Flegg, President, World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) 'As health leaders we want to breathe life into solutions to climate change so we can safeguard health, wellbeing and life. We need to turn off the oxygen of the fossil fuel industry and the communication they use to deceive and persist.' - Michele Isles, CEO, Climate and Health Alliance, Australia 'The climate crisis is a health crisis, and Canada is already experiencing its effects – from wildfires to extreme weather and rising insurance costs. Health, housing, food, and financial security are all at risk. Governments must act with courage and urgency. Yet, the fossil fuel industry – supported by misleading advertising and public relations tactics, much like those once used by the tobacco industry – continues to sow confusion and delay meaningful action. As health professionals and system leaders, we must cut ties with advertising and PR agencies that serve the fossil fuel industry. We must make it clear that we care about health – and we do not want their services. Join the Break the Fossil Influence campaign – and demand fossil-free health communications.' - Doris Grinspun, Chief Executive Officer, Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) 'In a world on fire, health professionals must lead with truth. We cannot claim to protect life while partnering with those who profit from its destruction. It's time for the climate and health community to cut ties with the PR machines fueling fossil fuel deception—because silence is complicity, and health demands courage.' — Dr. Kate Wylie, CEO, Doctors for the Environment Australia
