Big Oil Dominates Rugby World Cup Sponsorship, Greenpeace France Raises Concerns

Greenpeace France Condemns Fossil Fuel Sponsorship at Rugby World Cup

New Animated Video Highlights Environmental Destruction

Greenpeace France, in collaboration with production company Studio Birthplace, has released a powerful animated video calling out the fossil fuel industry’s sponsorship of major sporting events, particularly the Rugby World Cup 2023. The video, titled ‘TotalPollution: A Dirty Game,’ reveals that the global fossil fuel industry extracts enough oil to fill a rugby stadium every 3 hours and 37 minutes. The video visually demonstrates the scale of oil production by digitally filling up the Stade De France, where the first match of the Rugby World Cup will take place on September 8th. Additionally, the video features footage of real climate destruction caused by the fossil fuel industry.

Greenpeace France has voiced concerns over the sponsorship of events like the Rugby World Cup by fossil fuel companies such as TotalEnergies, stating that these companies leverage the values associated with the sport to distract from their contributions to climate change. Edina Ifticene, a campaigner at Greenpeace France, argues that while the companies claim to have integrity, passion, solidarity, discipline, and respect, their continued extraction of fossil fuels contradicts their commitment to a livable future for all. The organization has also called for a complete ban on fossil fuel advertising and sponsorship of major sporting events.

The Rugby World Cup Limited attempted to block the release of the video by sending Greenpeace International a cease and desist letter. However, Greenpeace France’s response emphasized their determination to continue raising awareness about the environmental destruction caused by the fossil fuel industry and its corporate sponsorships.

Fossil Fuel Companies’ Lack of Commitment to Renewable Energy

Critics argue that these sponsorships are part of the oil and gas majors’ strategy to not only continue their operations but also to expand them, despite the ongoing climate crisis. A recent report by Greenpeace Central and Eastern Europe revealed that only 0.3% of the combined energy production of global fossil fuel majors and European oil and gas companies came from renewable power in 2022. In the case of TotalEnergies, 99% of their energy production came from fossil fuels, with only 1% derived from genuinely renewable sources.

The claims made by fossil fuel companies, such as aligning their values with those of rugby and emphasizing their commitment to the energy transition, face scrutiny based on their lack of concrete action towards renewable energy. There is growing concern that these sponsorships serve as a cover for the companies’ environmental destruction, thereby distracting public attention from their harmful practices.

Editorial: The Need for a Shift in Sponsorship Practices

The debate surrounding fossil fuel sponsorship of major sporting events is an important one. On one hand, these sponsorships provide financial support to sports organizations and help bring tournaments like the Rugby World Cup to a global audience. However, on the other hand, it is essential to critically examine the values and ethics associated with these sponsorships, considering the impact of the fossil fuel industry on climate change.

While fossil fuel companies argue that they align with the values of sports like rugby, it is clear that their continued extraction of fossil fuels contradicts their purported commitment to a sustainable future. The environmental consequences of this industry, including rising sea levels that threaten Pacific Island nations and disruptions to sporting events like the 2019 Rugby World Cup due to extreme weather events, cannot be ignored.

It is imperative that both sports organizations and the public engage in a dialogue about the role of fossil fuel sponsorship and its implications for climate action. Questions must be raised regarding the long-term effects of these partnerships and the potential for greenwashing. As climate change becomes an increasingly urgent issue, it is crucial to rethink these sponsorships and explore alternative avenues of funding that align with sustainable practices.

Advice: A Call for Collective Action

For a safer and fairer world, there needs to be a collective effort to end the fossil fuel era. Individuals and organizations must hold fossil fuel companies accountable for their contributions to climate change and their attempts to distract from their environmental impact through sponsorships of major events. Consumers can use their purchasing power to support companies that prioritize renewable energy and sustainability.

Sports organizations can play a crucial role by reevaluating their sponsorship practices and prioritizing partnerships that align with the values of sustainability and environmental responsibility. This includes prohibiting fossil fuel advertising and sponsorship of major sporting events, as called for by Greenpeace France.

Public pressure and awareness are vital components of driving change. Individuals can support campaigns that push for alternatives to fossil fuel sponsorship and encourage their favorite sports teams and organizations to adopt sustainable practices. By collectively demanding a shift away from fossil fuels, society can contribute to the transition towards renewable energy and a greener future.

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