By 
Extinction Rebellion (ER) continues to demonstrate its efficiency as a protest organization with a keen sense of drama. This week, ER targeted Havas in London over its decision to take on Shell as a client. The protest unfolded at Havas’s renowned ‘village’ in King’s Cross, with ER activists arriving equipped with camera-ready body bags.
ER’s spokesperson expressed strong criticism, stating, “Without the expertise and creativity of agencies like Havas, Shell and other fossil fuel companies driving the worsening climate crisis through their supply of oil, gas, and coal would be exposed for what they truly are—criminals endangering our future. Shell spends more on advertising than on renewable energy sources like wind and solar. Now, Havas will aid them in producing communications and media campaigns to portray themselves as part of the solution to the climate emergency, rather than one of its primary causes.”
The spokesperson also noted internal dissatisfaction within Havas, saying, “We’ve heard from individuals inside Havas that many are deeply uncomfortable with doing Shell’s dirty work. They understand that companies like Shell are exacerbating the climate crisis and have been financing climate denialism for years. We urge the people at Havas to speak up and join our new campaign, Rebel For Truth. Imagine how impactful it would be if their discontent led to Shell being dropped as a client—we believe the strength of dissatisfaction within Havas could make this happen.”
Despite being a communication agency, Havas has remained notably silent in response to the protest, which is surprising given that the company, a self-proclaimed B-Corp, might have anticipated such an event.
Whether Havas will ultimately resign from working with Shell remains to be seen, but it will certainly put their communication skills to the test.