Top Posts
Earthquake hits Northern Iran amid tensions with Israel
Flash Flood: Ogun appeals to residents not to...
VP seeks collaboration to tackle Illegal migration, climate...
Fashion brands accused of shortcuts on climate pledges
BRICS countries develop shared position on climate finance
Europe launches climate change commission
Macron rebukes climate change deniers Ahead of Nice...
Zulum, others urge FG to accelerate N80bn rehabilitation...
Group Advocates Stronger Policies To Mitigate Climate Change
Death toll from Mokwa flood rises to 153
EcoNai Newsroom
  • Newsround
  • Nigeria
  • Africa
  • World
World

Thunberg accuses Edinburgh book festival sponsor of ‘greenwashing’

by admineconai August 5, 2023
written by admineconai August 5, 2023
535

Climate activist, Greta Thunberg has reportedly pulled out of an appearance at the Edinburgh book festival, accusing its lead sponsor of “greenwashing”.

According to reports, Thunberg was scheduled to speak at the 3,000-seat Playhouse theatre to discuss her appeal for climate action, It’s Not Too Late to Change the World, as part of a series of “climate positive” events at this year’s festival.

Her decision came after Scotland’s investigative news site The Ferret claimed that festival sponsor Baillie Gifford had billions invested in firms that profit from fossil fuels.

In a statement released through the festival, Thunberg was quoted as saying: “As a climate activist I cannot attend an event which receives sponsorship from Baillie Gifford, who invest heavily in the fossil fuel industry,”. “Greenwashing efforts by the fossil fuel industry, including sponsorship of cultural events, allow them to keep the social licence to continue operating. I cannot and do not want to be associated with events that accept this kind of sponsorship.”

Read also: Rivers Assembly orders immediate clean-up of oil spill impacted communities

A spokesperson for Baillie Gifford denied that the company was a significant fossil fuel investor.

Organisers had hoped that Thunberg’s appearance, along with Booker prize winners and political leaders, would help reverse last year’s dramatic decline in ticket sales.

Nick Barley, who is the festival’s director who is curating his last festival after 14 years in charge, said: “While I am disappointed that Greta will not be joining us on 13 August, I fully respect her decision. I share Greta’s view that in all areas of society the rate of progress is not enough.”

He defended Baillie Gifford’s sponsorship, saying: “We strongly believe that Baillie Gifford are part of the solution to the climate emergency. They are early investors in progressive climate positive companies, providing funds to help them grow. While they acknowledge there is still work to do, we have seen them make rapid progress throughout our 19-year relationship”.

Story was adapted from the Guardian.

AccusationEdinburghGreenwashingThunberg
0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
admineconai

previous post
Rivers Assembly orders immediate clean-up of oil spill impacted communities
next post
Poll shows three-quarters of Republicans think economy is priority over climate

Related Posts

Fashion brands accused of shortcuts on climate pledges

June 12, 2025

BRICS countries develop shared position on climate finance

June 12, 2025

Europe launches climate change commission

June 12, 2025

Macron rebukes climate change deniers Ahead of Nice...

June 9, 2025

Scientists say nearly 40% of the world’s glaciers...

June 3, 2025

German court dismisses climate case against RWE

May 28, 2025

WHO Climate Change action plan approved

May 28, 2025

Report: World likely to breach 1.5°C limit in...

May 28, 2025

At Bonn climate talks, Brazil demands early deals...

May 23, 2025

Guterres raises alarm over rapid Himalayan glacier melt

May 17, 2025

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Newsletter

Subscribe my Newsletter for new blog posts, tips & new photos. Let's stay updated!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Bloglovin
  • Vimeo

@2021 - All Right Reserved. Designed and Developed by Eco-Nai+

EcoNai Newsroom
  • Newsround
  • Nigeria
  • Africa
  • World