Fossil Fuel Firms Spend $5.6B on Sports Sponsorship

A new report by the New Weather Institute (NWI) reveals that fossil fuel companies have invested $5.6 billion in sports sponsorship through 205 active deals, aiming to improve their public image in light of their significant role in climate change. Major sponsors include Aramco ($1.3 billion), Ineos ($777 million), Shell ($470 million), and TotalEnergies ($340 million). The report, titled 'Dirty Money - How Fossil Fuel Sponsors are Polluting Sport', highlights that football, motorsports, rugby, and golf are the most sponsored sports. Critics argue that these sponsorships, described as 'sportswashing', are attempts to divert attention from the environmental damage caused by these companies. Despite growing public backlash, the sports industry continues to accept substantial financial contributions from the fossil fuel sector.