Thinkhouse, the youth marketing agency, is the first Irish agency to sign up to the open letter pledge to tackle Climate Crisis. The pledge was the international marketing and advertising industry’s response to the urgency of climate action and an acknowledgement that the industry has a critical role to play in saving the planet.
The letter, and list of signatories, appeared in Campaign Magazine and was widely distributed internationally – demonstrating the energy behind the commitment amongst industry leaders and professionals.The pledge followed an open letter from Extinction Rebellion in May, calling on the industry to take action on the climate crisis.
Extinction Rebellion hit the headlines during the week when it held a protest on the steps of the Palais during the Cannes Lions Festival that resulted in 14 arrests. This was followed up by further protests at Facebook’s private beach which was used to entertain global marketers and agencies.
The conversations on climate crisis focus on the deep understanding the industry has. The very skills that have been used to shape the values, attitudes and behaviours we know today can be used to shift society to more sustainable ways of living and more conscious consumption. Our choices now as an industry can help make the difference to the future of life on earth.
Before the arrival of Extinction Rebellion at Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity this week, over 60 industry leaders, including Jane McDaid and Claire Hyland from Thinkhouse, voiced their support and pledged to tackle the climate crisis. Some of the international agency and marketing industry leaders to have also voiced their support to date include David Kolbusz, Chief Creative Officer, Droga5, London,Katie Lee, Lucky Generals Chief Executive, Josh Krichefski, Chief Executive, MediaCom UK, Helen McRae, UK Chief Executive and Chair of Western Europe, Mindshare and Mary Portas, chief creative office Portas Group.
According to Jane McDaid, Founder of Thinkhouse: “Profit and growth really matter and thinking about how we define and achieve growth, is really important for the survival and future – not just of our planet – but our businesses and brands. Our work is a vehicle for the change that we want to see in the world, born out of our mission to have a positive impact on the lives of today’s younger generation and our planet. We’ll put our hearts, bodies, minds and money on the line to do the right thing. The right thing to do is to protect the very existence of our planet, and our young people, through our gift – which is creative thinking, communicating and problem solving.”
She adds that Thinkhouse’s PLANET Team will host an event around the subject of Climate Action this Autumn which will explore the views of young people on brands and organisations in relation to climate impact and sustainability and recommendations on how, through marketing and leadership, everyone can have an impact. To register your interest in attending the event email hello@theyouthlab.com.
