Eco Warriors Swap Shell Billboards for a Dash of Satirical Art

Posted by John Donovan: 15 May 2024

In a daring display of artistic rebellion, the eco-punk group Brandalism decided to give Shell’s advertising a little makeover—because, let’s face it, nothing screams “green future” like an oil giant sponsoring cycling, right?

Brandalism has gone and plastered their own cheeky versions of ads over 200 billboards and bus stops that were singing praises to Shell’s so-called commitment to British Cycling. The new art pieces? Cyclists guzzling oil from Shell-branded bottles. Talk about a thirst-quencher!

Now, Shell, in their usual calm-as-a-cucumber style, called these new ads “misleading” and claimed they “completely mischaracterized” their beautiful partnership. And British Cycling? They’re still peddling the line that Shell is totally on board with their “long-term sustainability strategy.” Ah, to live in such blissful harmony!

Brandalism, self-dubbed as a “guerrilla art collective,” strategically targeted these ads not just anywhere, but near British Cycling’s HQ in Manchester, and other key cities like Reading, Norwich, and Bristol. Oh, and let’s not forget right near Shell’s AGM venue in London. Timing is everything, after all.

What’s really juicy is Shell’s recent little backslide—announcing plans to cut the “net carbon intensity” of its energy by only 15-20% by 2030, instead of the robust 20% they originally promised. Tona Merriman from Brandalism did not mince words, accusing Shell of using sport to “launder their dirty brand.” According to him, Shell is just pedal-backing on their green promises while raking in profits from our crippling energy bills and facing accusations of human rights violations globally.

Brandalism isn’t just throwing shade; they’re spotlighting some rather uncomfortable stats too. They’re waving around research from Global Witness that suggests emissions from fossil fuels produced by Shell and pals could lead to 11.5 million excess deaths from heat by 2100. Shell’s response? They “strongly dispute” the research. Surprise, surprise.

A Shell spokesperson did share a gem, insisting that their partnership with British Cycling is all about zipping towards net zero and getting more people on bikes and electric vehicles. Because nothing says “clean energy” like the company responsible for massive oil drilling, right?

And for their grand finale, Shell reminds us they plan to hit net zero emissions by 2050. So buckle up, folks, because at the rate they’re pedalling, it’s going to be one heck of a slow ride to the finish line.

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