As creators, communicators, and experts dedicated to climate action, we are frequently asked by public relations and advertising agencies to participate in climate campaigns, particularly surrounding the UN Climate Talks, or COP. 

However, this year’s climate talks, COP30, face an unavoidable conflict of interest and barrier to the responsible communication about the negotiations. The PR company Edelman has been contracted to work directly with the hosts of COP30, while simultaneously working with at least 10 different fossil fuel polluters who are seeking to obstruct the climate action we need. Edelman makes more of their revenue from fossil fuels than any PR company of their size.

During the upcoming negotiations, Edelman staff will be writing talking points for the climate talks that we are expected to use and amplify, while simultaneously advocating for the oil and gas industry. In fact, one key Edelman leader in Brazil is personally overseeing communications for both COP30 and Shell at the same time. 

Our planet is at a tipping point, not just in terms of our climate, but in our culture. Fossil fuel companies aided by PR agencies are contributing to a misinformation crisis that could halt climate progress. Companies like Shell’s commitment to expanding oil and gas production at the cost of clean energy demonstrates clearly where they stand in this crucial moment. 

We strongly believe Edelman is the wrong choice to support COP30. We call on UN leaders and the Brazilian government to act to protect information integrity on climate change, and ensure the public receives accurate, positive updates from the climate talks, untainted by oil industry influence. If Edelman doesn’t drop fossil fuels, Brazil should drop Edelman. 

Respectfully, 

(The Undersigned)