Brandalism, an advertising activist group, has hacked and taken over 500 billboards across Europe to criticise the role airline ads play in encouraging pollution.
The various pieces of satirical artwork use aviation company names and branding to then highlight and poke fun at the damage the industry causes to the environment. Each hijacked paid-for ad space includes the hashtag ‘#BanFossilAds’.
A Lufthansa ad reads: “#SayYesToTheEndOfTheWorld. At Lufthansa, we distract you with pictures of trees while we fry the planet. Greenwash ads by DDB München.”
1/ Citizens, activists and artists in 15 european cities have hacked 500 billboard sites with satirical airline ads ✈️🔥
✍️ Sign the European Citizens' Initiative to #BanFossilAdshttps://t.co/iqPF2loA5U
Pictured: art design by Lindsay Grime. Installation by Brandalism, London pic.twitter.com/RnPgcGjUlZ
— Brandalism (@BrandalismUK) September 22, 2022
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Another satirical piece that criticises British Airways includes the copy: “We’re turning Business Class green with the world’s first on-board golf course.
“In the midst of a climate emergency we understand concerns that flying Business Class emits three times more carbon emissions per flight than standard class … That’s why our new on-board Business Class golf course comes with a free biodegradable golf ball, so even our most carbon-intensive passengers can feel like they’re doing their bit for the environment.”
I made this #BanFossilAds poster for the new @BrandalismUK campaign about airline advertising alongside some great work by other artists. My poster focused on greenwashing and business class travel.
More details here: https://t.co/0EvGYJtzfW pic.twitter.com/YkwpoeM8ud
— Spelling Mistakes Cost Lives (@darren_cullen) September 22, 2022
Adding to the protest is an ad about Ryanair – dubbed as ‘Ruinair’ – that reads “Low fares to Plastic Island. World trashing prices from …”
The great conceptual and graphic work of @BrandalismUK . Big corporations: no more green marketing, please! #ClimateEmergency pic.twitter.com/djGbQxeyIv
— Marc Masmiquel (@marcmasmiquel) September 22, 2022
In the UK, these pieces have taken over ad spaces in London, Manchester, Brighton, Sheffield and Bristol.
Brandalism’s Tona Merriman had this to say about the movement: “The allure and glamour of high carbon lifestyles such as frequent flying has been purposefully crafted by the advertising industry and show no signs of relenting – despite one of the hottest summers on record.”
“Advertising agencies such as Ogilvy, VCCP, Dentsu and DDB Munchen need to consider their role in driving up emissions for airlines they work for such as British Airways, easyJet, KLM and Lufthansa. We call on employees in those firms to refuse work for high carbon clients.”
