Educational attraction W5 has been accused of facilitating greenwashing after taking money from the world’s second biggest fossil fuel funder.
Citibank is sponsoring the Belfast experience’s ‘In Our Nature’ exhibition, which teaches visitors about the disastrous effects of climate change.
Climate activists and NGOs are planning a protest outside its waterfront doors at 10am on Thursday, June 29.
Read more: £3m project to 'unearth the heat beneath our feet' could cut energy costs
The group, led by Act Now, have accused Citibank of “bankrolling the destruction of the Amazon and drilling in the Arctic”.
“For too long, fossil fuel CEOs have divided and distracted us with lies hoping to hide the origins and impact of the crisis they created, while they pollute our air, poison our water, and dump toxins into communities,” a spokesperson said.
“We are acting together to make sure our children are still able to enjoy beautiful landscapes and healthy nature - such as those represented by W5’s ‘In our Nature’ exhibition, in real life, for generations to come.”
Campaigners wrote to W5 to highlight their concerns about the sponsorship deal.
Their head of W5 Experience responded, in an email we’ve seen, saying: “Since opening its doors in 2001, W5 has been, and will remain, committed to advancing scientific knowledge and learning opportunities for all the people of Northern Ireland.
“With over 280,000 visitors every year, W5 works with a range of sponsors and partners from across Northern Ireland and beyond. W5 is not publicly funded whatsoever, and these relationships are vital to W5’s viability and development.”
We also put their concerns to W5. A spokesperson told us: “W5 is conscious of the need to continually review compliance measures and sustainability vetting mechanisms, to shape discussions with existing and prospective sponsors, partners, and stakeholders.
“Please be assured that we appreciate and value your comments and concerns, and will review these both in the context of W5’s internal procedures and in discussion with Citi.”
We told Citibank environmentalists have accused them of “bankrolling Amazon destruction and Arctic drilling” and that their sponsorship of a nature exhibition has been branded as “greenwashing” and hypocritical” given they have not divested from fossil fuels.
A spokesperson said: “Citi respects the advocacy of climate activists, and we share the goal of transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
“We are supporting clean energy solutions through [a] $1 trillion sustainable finance goal, and under our net zero commitment we are working with our clients to help them decarbonize.
“Our approach reflects the urgent need to transition while also continuing to meet global energy needs.
“We share W5’s commitment to increasing public education on climate and sustainability and look forward to continuing to support their efforts.”
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