Description
The 20 km race of Brussels has finally dropped sponsor Total in 2024, after a coalition of Belgium organisations had called in 2022 and 2023 for this step. Total has been one of the main sponsors of the event since 2004.
Greenpeace, Youth for Climate and Grandparents for the Climate, amongst other organisations, have sent letters, dropped banners and protested at the site of the famous running competition. In May 2023, they published an open letter (in French), stating:
'By associating itself with a popular race, the multinational TotalEnergies is seeking to strengthen its public image and develop its influence on the general public. In our view, this undermines the very spirit of the race.'
'Given TotalEnergies' highly problematic position in Russia and its current and historical responsibility for the climate crisis, this sponsorship raises a number of ethical issues.'
'TotalEnergies has been fully aware of the causal link between the burning of fossil fuels and global warming since 1971 and deliberately chose not to act. Worse still, the multinational chose to sow doubt in public opinion and prevent any climate action.'
'The French company's problematic activities continue to make headlines. Take the "EACOP" climate bomb in East Africa, with its 400 drilling wells and giant oil pipeline. It is a colossal human and environmental disaster for the entire region. More than 100,000 people will see their farming activities directly hampered, and nearly 84,000 families have never received compensation or have received it very late, with the result that many families will be plunged into poverty.'
'We need to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for the damage they cause. Cities like Lyon and other marathons have chosen to favour more sustainable sponsors. The Brussels 20km should do the same.'
