Christian Aid and independent agency Impero have partnered on a new social campaign, to raise awareness for climate injustice during The Rugby World Cup.
The campaign, #StopRugbySinking, is inspired by the threat of rising sea levels faced by three of the smallest countries in the tournament (Fiji, Tongo, Samoa) because of fossil fuel burning by richer, more carbon emitting countries.
Showcased across social channels, the campaign is designed to start conversations about climate justice, and loss and damage to these smaller countries.
The 60-second film features UK-based Pacific Island dance group Beats of Polynesia from Tonga, Samoa and Fiji, dancing in central London, knee-deep in the Thames.
The campaign aims to force people to consider the consequences of rising waters in the countries that have had almost no part in the catastrophe that is facing them.
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The choreography tells the story of their troubles with climate change and is accompanied by a chant specifically written for the campaign called “The Battle for Climate Change”.
“The Rugby World Cup brings together some of the world’s biggest carbon emitters and some of the most climate-vulnerable countries. When it comes to the climate crisis, there is no level playing field,” Christian Aid chief executive, Patrick Watt.
“The actions of big polluting countries like Australia, France and the UK have devastating consequences for low-lying island nations in the Pacific, in the form of storms, and rising sea levels and temperatures.”
“It is time for the big emitters to play by the rules, meet their commitments to limit climate change and repair the damage caused to climate-vulnerable communities. The wealthiest countries need to deliver the finance they’ve pledged for adaptation and commit to the loss and damage fund.”
Impero chief strategy officer, Chris Tyas, added: “We have been working with Christian Aid over the past few years to call out the injustices of the world.
“It is often those who have done the least to cause the climate crisis who are paying for its impact. The Rugby World Cup has the potential to act as a global stage for this important message to be seen and heard.”
“It has been wonderful working with Kim and our Christian Aid team on this important campaign to raise awareness for climate justice.”
Earlier this year, Christian Aid partnered with Great British Bake-Off contestant Hermine Dossou to promote its UK-wide food truck tour ahead of Christian Aid Week 2023
