Ecologists in Action denounce Repsol's sponsorship of the Madrid Book Fair with a protest in El Retiro
- A dozen activists stand up to the fossil multinational at the world's largest book event in Madrid.
- “I don't believe the Repsol story” has been one of the key trends at the 2024 Book Fair.
A group of activists from Ecologistas en Acción have staged a protest at the Madrid Book Fair (FLM), which is being held in Retiro Park, to denounce Repsol's sponsorship of the event. The action included people dressed as dinosaurs and banners denouncing the power of fossil fuels, highlighting "Repsol's incompatibility with the fight against climate change," according to sources from the organisation.
The 83rd edition of the Madrid Book Fair, which takes place from May 31 to June 16, has had a sustainability plan in place since 2017 to reduce the event’s carbon footprint. However, the organization has faced difficulties due to the lack of electrical power on the Paseo de Coches in El Retiro, which has required the use of diesel generators, responsible for 40-45% of the fair’s carbon footprint, to date.
Repsol, one of the main sponsors of the event, has been heavily criticised by environmentalists, as the company, which is ranked 50th among the most polluting on the planet, has increased its emissions by 16% in 2022, while its profits “grow at an alarming rate”. Despite Repsol claiming to supply renewable fuel for the fair, activists argue that these actions do not offset its negative overall impact.
One of the activists present, Belén, said: “Repsol presents itself as a company committed to reducing its carbon footprint, but the reality is very different. Only 0.8% of its energy production is renewable, while the rest comes from oil and gas. It is a mockery that they are trying to clean up their image at a cultural event like the Madrid Book Fair.”
Miguel Ángel Vázquez, a bookseller present at the Fair, says that “it is clear that Repsol has deceived the management of the fair by selling an image that is absolutely false. It is a shame and we are very sorry that an event as full of transformative values as the Book Fair is tainted by this sponsorship.” He adds that, in his opinion, “renewable biofuels should be on the fiction shelf.”
Another activist, Carlos, adds: “We cannot allow one of the most polluting companies in the world to use culture as a platform for its greenwashing. Repsol continues to invest in fossil fuels and its presence here is a farce. We are here to tell the public the truth about its destructive practices.”
The Madrid Book Fair organisation has defended the collaboration with Repsol, arguing that its contribution helps reduce the event’s carbon footprint. In a recent statement, the LWF announced the use of renewable fuel provided by Repsol to light the evening activities, claiming a 90% reduction in net CO₂ emissions. However, a report published in August 2023 reveals that major European oil companies, including Repsol, continue to invest in fossil fuels while projecting a false image of commitment to renewable energy. This report points out that greenwashing strategies are designed to divert public attention from the true actions of these companies.
Today’s protest is just one of many that Ecologistas en Acción has carried out to denounce Repsol’s practices. The activists insist that, far from abandoning fossil fuels, the company is increasing its production, which is incompatible with the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the recommendations of the scientists who advise the United Nations. In addition to the people dressed as dinosaurs, the protest included banners with strong messages such as “I don’t believe Repsol’s story” and “No to greenwashing at the Book Fair.”
The action in El Retiro is a wake-up call, the organization says. Ecologists in Action and other environmental groups urge companies in the world of books, publishers, bookstores, distributors and authors to question and re-evaluate their alliances and consider the impact of their decisions on the environment.
Meanwhile, the Madrid Book Fair will continue until June 16, with controversy over its sustainability and Repsol's role as a sponsor looming over it. The protest by Ecologistas en Acción has succeeded in raising awareness of a crucial issue and opening up a debate on the true environmental responsibility of companies that support cultural events.
