Sixteen ACT organisations have pledged they won’t promote coal, oil and gas companies in support of a cleaner Capital Territory.
IonDNA, SunStak, LightHouse and Future Swirl are among the companies that have pledged to support clean air and a healthy climate by refusing fossil fuel sponsorships and advertising.
Jaeme Ogilvie, Co Founder of electric vehicle specialist ionDNA, said, “By making the pledge, we proudly unite with a growing community of professionals committed to combating climate change by refusing to promote harmful environmental practices. We firmly oppose the promotion of fossil fuels and high greenhouse gas pollution. This stance reinforces our dedication to championing electric vehicles through education, awareness, and advocacy at local and national levels.”
The ‘Fossil Free ACT’ campaign was launched alongside the ‘Smoke Kills’ campaign by climate communications group, Comms Declare. Earlier this year, Chief Minister, Andrew Barr, ruled out supporting a Bill to stop fossil fuel sponsorships at major ACT sports fields.
Comms Declare believes they’ll sign up 100 organisations before the October poll.
Comms Declare Founder, Belinda Noble said, “The ACT government can’t continue to be a climate leader while allowing coal, oil and gas companies to sponsor lessons in our schools or place ads on our community infrastructure.
“It’s well established that climate polluters are using advertising and sponsorships to manipulate the public and delay the transition to a clean economy, and Australia’s capital needs to take a stand, added Noble ”
Fossil fuel ads are currently banned from light rail vehicles in the ACT but not on the shelters. There’s also nothing stopping fossil fuel companies from advertising at ACT sports venues, major events like Floriade or sponsoring lessons in ACT schools.
Sydney and 15 other Australian councils have moved to restrict fossil fuel advertising, joining France, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Stockholm and more than a dozen other overseas cities.
The United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, recently asked all governments and businesses to stop advertising the fossil fuel companies he describes as the ‘Godfathers of climate chaos’.
ACT organisations can join the pledge by visiting fossiladban.org/fossilfreeact
