London, UK (4 November, 2015) – Today, the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40) debuted its first ad for #CitiesAreKey, a global pro bono advertising campaign designed to underscore the leadership role mayors and urban citizens are playing to tackle climate change on the road to the international climate talks in Paris, and beyond.
To kick off the campaign, a 30-second animated video broadcast today on Clear Channel Outdoor’s (CCO) iconic Piccadilly One digital billboard site in London’s Piccadilly Circus, which reaches an estimated 2 million people every week. On site to launch the video was Matthew Pencharz, Deputy Mayor of London for Environment & Energy, and William Eccleshare, Chairman & CEO, Clear Channel International. The video showcases the 10,000 climate actions that C40 cities are taking – actions such as creating bike lanes and planting trees – which directly impact and benefit urban citizens by making cities more livable.
“It is vitally important that our world cities continue to work closely together to implement positive changes to tackle climate change,” said Mayor of London Boris Johnson. “It is fitting that the new C40 advert is being launched in the heart of London where we will shortly deliver the world’s first Ultra Low Emission Zone as part of our ambitious plans in the capital to lower pollution and reduce emissions.”
The billboard space is provided on a pro bono basis courtesy of Clear Channel Outdoor, a C40 partner on the campaign. CCO will also continue to run the campaign throughout many C40 member cities via its international network of digital outdoor screens in such cities as Barcelona, Madrid, New York, and Rio de Janeiro in the lead-up to COP21 in Paris.
“Outdoor advertising has long formed the fabric of urban environments, but thanks to digital and interactive technology, it now provides a vital communication channel that enables cities to better engage with its citizens and improve city life,” said William Eccleshare, Chairman & CEO, Clear Channel International. “We’re delighted to support the launch of C40’s #CitiesAreKey global ad campaign by debuting their new ad on our Piccadilly One screen and highlighting this vital cause to millions of people in the world’s major cities via our sites.”
“By partnering with leaders in the advertising and creative industry, C40 is able to show the world what we mayors already know well – that cities and their citizens are key to tackling climate change,” said C40 Chair, Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes. “This campaign allows us to engage city leaders and their citizens with our message in a unique and exciting way, and celebrate their efforts in making our planet a healthier, safer and more prosperous place to live.”
Other sponsoring and creative partners on the #CitiesAreKey effort include International Advertising Association (IAA) and DM9 Jayme SyFu (DM9).
#CitiesAreKey builds upon C40’s existing campaign launched in June of this year on the iconic ‘Grand Screen’ digital billboard at Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.
In addition to digital billboards, the campaign will be featured in print and television ads, and rolled out on a variety of digital and social media platforms using the hashtag #CitiesAreKey.
For updates about the campaign, follow the hashtag #CitesAreKey and follow @c40cities, @IAA_Global and @dm9js on Twitter.
To watch the 30-second #CitiesAreKey global video spot, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NHUuq6gPLg&feature=youtu.be