TL/DR –
The Hague just became the GOAT of climate action, banning all those gas-guzzling ads starting next year. While Edinburgh’s been popping off with their own fossil fuel ad bans, The Hague went legally binding — no more promoting your dirty diesel on our streets. Looks like Amsterdam and Toronto might follow suit, but for now, The Hague is the OG climate queen.
The Hague has become the first city in the world to ban ads promoting fossil fuel products and climate-busting services.
Legislation passed Thursday ends all public and private ads for petrol, diesel, aviation, and cruise ships in the Dutch city, affecting billboards and bus shelters. Effective next year.
It’s the first time a city has banned high-carbon ads via local law. This follows a UN call by chief António Guterres for such bans, similar to tobacco ads.
Some cities have tried limiting high-carbon products through council motions. In May, Edinburgh banned fossil fuel ads, including airlines and cruise ships, on council-owned spaces, also stopping event sponsorships.
The Hague’s legally binding ban, two years in the making, stops fossil fuel ads but doesn’t cover political ads or general brand promotions.
Femke Sleegers of Reclame Fossielvrij said previous attempts failed due to non-compliance. “The Hague shows the courage needed to tackle the climate crisis,” she said.
Thijs Bouman, environmental psychology professor at Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, said fossil fuel ads undermine climate policy by promoting unsustainable behavior. “Government investments can be better used to strengthen sustainable options,” he noted.
The Hague’s law is seen as a catalyst for similar campaigns globally, including in Toronto and Graz. A proposal is underway in Amsterdam. Amsterdam and Haarlem have banned climate-harmful products like meat, but not made it law.
More cities want to implement the fossil ad ban, but were waiting for someone to make the first move. The Hague is this city, said Sleegers.
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Original Story at www.theguardian.com
