Television presenter Chris Packham stirs controversy with ‘wanted’ posters of oil executives amid calls for a ban on fossil fuel advertising.
Chris Packham, a prominent television presenter and wildlife campaigner, has ignited controversy by placing “wanted-style” posters of oil company executives throughout the London Underground. The posters feature the faces of fossil fuel CEOs, including Wael Sawan of Shell and Murray Auchincloss of BP, alongside the accusation: “Wanted for murdering life on Earth.” This provocative campaign was shared by Packham on social media platform X, where he elaborated on his motives.
In his statements, Packham contextualised his actions by stating, “Up until now we’ve focused on fossil fuel companies. But companies are made up of people – and these people know that they are working against the interests of all life on Earth. They need calling out.” He further expressed his commitment to advocating for a ban on fossil fuel advertising in the UK, highlighting how such companies have historically used financial resources to “greenwash their dirty reputations” across various sectors, including sports and education.
Public reaction to Packham’s posters has been notably polarised. Many have condemned the tactic, labelling it as extreme and potentially harmful. One critic remarked, “Absolutely appalling. How is this not bullying and persecution?” while another accused Packham of engaging in intimidation, stating, “You need locking up with the other eco-terrorists.” Concerns have also been raised about the implications for the safety of those featured on the posters, with one person arguing that such actions could jeopardise the safety of individuals depicted. Additionally, another commented, “If it wasn’t for those people you would have no clothes on your back, no pharmaceuticals, no packaging for your food. Hypocrite.”
Conversely, some supporters have expressed their backing for Packham’s approach. One individual simply stated, “Well done,” while another advocated for collaboration with industry leaders to foster sustainability, indicating a desire for innovative solutions prioritising environmental concerns.
Packham’s actions form part of a broader campaign, which includes an online petition that has amassed over 42,000 signatures, calling for a UK-wide ban on fossil fuel-related promotions. The petition draws comparisons to the UK’s 2003 ban on tobacco advertising, arguing that fossil fuel promotions are misleading. It notes that fossil fuel companies invest over £4 billion in sports sponsorships, a practice Packham criticises as detrimental to environmental interests.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.instagram.com/chrisgpackham2/reel/DIBnkmfoWYO/ – This URL corroborates Chris Packham’s campaign of placing ‘wanted-style’ posters for oil company executives, including those from Shell and BP, and his involvement on social media to convey these actions.
- https://www.noahwire.com – This URL provides the source information for the article about Chris Packham’s activities and public reactions, and further details his advocacy for a ban on fossil fuel advertising.
- https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/environmental-activist-chris-packham-blames-media-existence-just-stop-oil/ – This link supports Chris Packham’s involvement in environmental activism, particularly his support for groups like Just Stop Oil and his criticism of media coverage.
- https://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/research/briefing-papers/SN0401 – This URL can provide context on past legislation and policy moves in the UK related to environmental and advertising regulations, which are relevant to Packham’s campaign against fossil fuel advertising.
- https://www.asa.org.uk/en/codes-and-rulings/adjudications.html – This URL from the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) could provide insights into regulations and criticisms around advertising practices in the UK, including those related to fossil fuels.
- https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/fossil-fuel-subsidies.asp – This URL offers background information on fossil fuel companies’ financial practices, such as subsidies and investments in advertising and sponsorships, which Packham criticizes.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The article mentions a current event involving Chris Packham, which suggests that the information is relatively recent. There is no clear indication that this is old or recycled news, though specific dates are not provided.
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
Direct quotes from Chris Packham are included, but the original source or date of the quotes could not be verified through online searches. However, these quotes seem to be part of a recent social media post by Packham.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from Express.co.uk, which is a well-known publication but may not always meet the highest standards of objectivity or reliability compared to other major news outlets like the BBC or Reuters.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about Chris Packham’s actions and the public reaction are plausible, given his history as an environmental campaigner. The specifics of his campaign, including the call for a ban on fossil fuel advertising, align with his past activism.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be based on recent actions by Chris Packham and captures the polarised public reaction. While the source is relatively reliable, quotes could not be verified to their original sources. Overall, the content seems plausible and current.
