In response to an announcement that The Guardian has announced it will end fossil fuel advertising Mel Evans, senior climate campaigner for Greenpeace UK, said: “For too long fossil fuel giants like BP and Shell, who are causing our climate emergency, have been able to get away with greenwash advertising while investing 97% of their business in oil and gas.

“This is a watershed moment, and the Guardian must be applauded for this bold move to end the legitimacy of fossil fuels.

“Oil and gas firms now find themselves alongside tobacco companies as businesses that threaten the health and well-being of everyone on this planet.

“For BP the disconnect has been the most glaring: spending millions on lobbying to undermine environmental laws, then claiming to be progressive on climate in ads and on social media.

“Other media outlets, arts and sports organisations must now follow suit and end fossil fuel company advertising and sponsorship.”

The news follows a Greenpeace’s petition calling for an end to all oil advertising in the media.