Extinction Rebellion NYC staged a protest outside Publicis Groupe's New York City headquarters, targeting the firm's associations with fossil fuel companies. The protest involved street theatre and a blockade of the building's entrance, with activists chaining themselves to the doors. Ten activists were arrested during the demonstration, including two minors.

The protest coincided with a heatwave in New York City, where temperatures exceeded 100 degrees Fahrenheit. On the same day, Extinction Rebellion UK occupied the headquarters of WPP, another advertising firm with fossil fuel clients.

Publicis Groupe held 40 contracts with fossil fuel companies in 2023-2024, including agreements with Saudi Aramco and TotalEnergies. Despite its involvement in shaping public perception of these industries, Publicis's climate policy does not mention fossil fuels. Activists have called on Publicis executives to sever ties with fossil fuel clients and align with climate science and the company's stated values.

Scarlett Attina, a 17-year-old activist who risked arrest during the action, stated: “Arthur Sadoun, Andrew Bruce, and Susie Nam have a choice. They are among the most powerful communicators on Earth—and with that power comes responsibility. They can’t just advertise their way out of climate collapse; they’re actively shaping–and ruining–the future for all of us. History is watching.”

Miles Grant, a spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion, commented: “Publicis claims to care about climate breakdown, but their contracts with oil giants tell a different story. This isn’t just greenwashing—it’s green betrayal. Their clients are fueling the crisis, and Publicis is helping them sell it.”

Beatrice Beckler, a 15-year-old activist who risked arrest, said: “I’m here doing civil disobedience because Publicis helps fossil fuel companies lie to the world. I want a future where flowers bloom in season, kids can play without overheating, and fish swim in clean water. Publicis needs to stop spreading lies—and start telling the truth.”

A white paper by Climate Creatives highlights the reputational and financial risks of fossil fuel contracts for agencies. Over 1,400 agencies in 38 countries have signed the Clean Creatives pledge, refusing contracts from fossil fuel companies.

Matthew Menzies, a spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion, stated: “The reputational risk for Publicis isn’t hypothetical; it’s happening now. Top talent, progressive clients, and shareholders are watching—and they won’t stand for complicity in climate destruction. The future of Publicis’s brand depends on cutting fossil fuel ties immediately.”

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has criticised PR and advertising firms for enabling climate destruction through greenwashing. Extinction Rebellion is an international movement using nonviolent civil disobedience to compel government action on climate change. The group advocates for Citizens' Assemblies to develop policy recommendations on climate issues.

Devin Lilly, a spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion, remarked: “Publicis talks about supporting gender equality and women’s rights, but they still work with fossil fuel companies that harm the most vulnerable communities. It worries me—UN Women says women are 14 times more likely than men to die in climate disasters because social and economic inequalities leave them less prepared and more exposed. This kind of disconnect undercuts the values Publicis claims to stand for.”