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 that 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 a digital billboard in London’s Piccadilly Circus, which reaches an estimated 2 million people every week. The billboard space is provided on a pro bono basis courtesy of Clear Channel Outdoor, a C40 partner on the campaign. 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.
Above: Matthew Pencharz, Deputy Mayor of London for Environment & Energy, William Eccleshare, Chairman & CEO, Clear Channel International, and Clare Hammacott, Director of Finance and Operations, C40, at the launch of #CitiesAreKey in London.
“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.”
#CitiesAreKey will continue to run on digital billboards throughout dozens of C40 member cities in the lead-up to COP21 in Paris. The campaign will also be featured in print and television ads, and rolled out on a variety of digital and social media platforms using the hashtag #CitiesAreKey.
“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.”
Read the full press release here.