Dentsu aims to cut air travel by two thirds in pursuit of net zero targets

Dentsu International is cutting air travel by 65% as part of its plans to reach net zero by 2030, Global CEO Wendy Clark told Cannes Lions Live viewers during a debate on climate change.

Why it matters

There is an ongoing debate about how agencies and clients can best support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Clark’s view is that rather than being competitive the two sides can come together. “We’ve decided to tell the industry how much we’re cutting flights by so that by putting it out there, we can push each other forward,” she said.

Context

• Dentsu announced its plans to be a net zero emissions company by 2030 in October last year.
• Flights were one of five environmental pillars the business said it would focus on – alongside technology, research & advertising, professional fees, buildings & fleet.
• Maher Nasser, Director of the Outreach Division in the UN’s Department of Global Communications believes “The advertising industry has the power to shape behaviours and culture and push leadership in the right direction”