Title: Greenpeace France and Studio Birthplace Collaborate to Expose Fossil Fuel Sponsorship in Rugby World Cup 2023
Greenpeace France has partnered with Studio Birthplace to create a powerful campaign video targeting fossil fuel sponsorship in the upcoming Rugby World Cup 2023. Titled ‘TotalPollution: A Dirty Game,’ the video sheds light on the alarming amount of crude oil produced by the global fossil fuel industry in just 3 hours and 37 minutes, including TotalEnergies.
However, the release of the video was met with opposition from the Rugby World Cup Limited, who attempted to block its publication through a cease and desist letter sent to Greenpeace International. This move indicates the uncomfortable stance some organizations may have towards exposing the dark side of sponsorships.
The video showcases the Stade De France, the stadium where the opening match of the tournament will be held, being flooded with crude oil, along with oil spilling out of TotalEnergies’ logos. This symbolic representation highlights the damaging impact of fossil fuels on the environment and the urgent need for change.
Greenpeace France further revealed that only 1% of TotalEnergies’ energy production last year came from renewable sources, emphasizing the negative impact of fossil fuels on the sport of rugby. With the recent disturbances during the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan due to a powerful typhoon and the looming threat of rising sea levels that pose a risk to major Pacific Island rugby nations, there is an increasing awareness that the industry needs to make sustainable choices.
In response to this growing concern, some host cities in France have chosen to exclude TotalEnergies from their fan zones. This decision reflects a collective recognition that fossil fuels have no place in rugby or any other industry. It serves as a wake-up call not only to the Rugby World Cup organizers but also to corporations that continue to associate themselves with polluting and unsustainable practices.
As the debate surrounding fossil fuel sponsorship in sports intensifies, the collaboration between Greenpeace France and Studio Birthplace aims to raise awareness and enact meaningful change. By bringing attention to the environmental implications of such sponsorships, the campaign pushes for a cleaner and greener future for rugby and beyond.
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