The Hague is the first city to ban fossil advertising
Thanks to the Party for the Animals in The Hague, this city will be the first city in the world to ban fossil advertising. Recently the city council voted in favor of the initiative proposal from the Hague Party for the Animals that regulates this ban.
Leonie Gerritsen (PvdD): 'The Hague will become the first city in the world to actually ban fossil advertising. This is an important signal that the local government is sending: we must get rid of our fossil addiction.
This new legislation spells the end of publicly and privately funded advertising for petrol and diesel in the streets of the Dutch city, including on billboards and bus shelters. It takes effect from the start of next year. Which means that in four months, these advertisements will have disappeared from the public space of The Hague. Leonie Gerritsen (PvdD): “The Hague wants to be climate neutral by 2030. Then it is inappropriate to allow advertising for products from the fossil industry. Fortunately, the city council now recognizes this.”
Reclame Fossielvrij (Advertising Fossil Free) is also pleased. “The Hague shows the courage needed to tackle the climate crisis. If you want to get rid of fossil fuels, you stop advertising that promotes fossil fuel use," said Femke Sleegers. She thinks that many cities will follow the example of The Hague. “The Hague shows that this is possible through local law. This decision could have a snowball effect worldwide."
Some cities have already tried to limit the reach of high-carbon products and services through council motions or voluntary agreements with advertising operators. Edinburgh council agreed in May to ban advertising for fossil fuel companies, airlines, airports, fossil fuel-powered cars, cruise ships and arms on council-owned advertising spaces. Companies selling these products will also no longer be able to sponsor events or other partnerships in Scotland’s capital.
Femke Sleegers of the Dutch fossil-free advertising group Reclame Fossielvrij, which helped publish a campaign for the ban, said previous attempts to regulate fossil fuel advertising in the city had failed because operators refused to comply. “The Hague shows the courage needed to tackle the climate crisis,” she said.
The Hague’s legislation is seen as a potential catalyst for similar campaigns around the world, including Toronto in Canada and Graz in Austria. A local law has also been proposed in the Dutch capital, Amsterdam. Amsterdam and neighbouring city Haarlem have previously imposed bans on products that contribute to climate breakdown, including meat, although they have not made them into law.
Sources:
https://www.ft.com/content/2ddd3771-aee4-4d75-9458-848057084de2
https://www.ehn.org/the-hague-makes-history-by-banning-fossil-fuel-ads-2669214554.html