Independent PR giant Edelman said it will “part ways with clients” that don’t adhere to its new environmental, social and governance guidelines (ESG), following what was described as a 60-day review of over 330 clients conducted in response to pressure from climate activists, reports Ad Age.
Results of the assessment, which actually was completed in 53 days, were shared through a blog post by CEO Richard Edelman himself rather than a report, continued Ad Age, which adds that the assessment “is part of an ongoing sustainability strategy, Edelman Impact, which was established a week after the group Clean Creatives petitioned the firm to drop its oil and gas clients, particularly Exxon Mobil and Shell.
“The petition from Clean Creatives, which describes itself as “ad professionals who want a safe climate future,” was circulated during the United Nations global climate summit in November and signed by more than 100 activists, academics, authors and actors, among others. Some notable signatories include actors Ilana Glazer and Amy Poehler, author Ta-Nehisi Coates, and marine biologist Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson.
“”Edelman said the firm was “on its back foot” two months ago and had to “get on its front foot,” which began with establishing operating principles for the business and its clients to follow. The firm said its six guiding principles are to “work with those committed to accelerating action to net zero and are in compliance with the Paris Accords; put science and facts first; advance best practices and standards for climate communications; ensure inclusivity; focus on a just transition; and hold ourselves accountable.””
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