In Europe, a ban on tobacco advertising is common, and there are often discussions and implementations of restrictions on alcohol, sweets, and fatty foods. Now, The Hague in the Netherlands is taking it a step further by banning outdoor advertising for fossil fuel-based products and services, including cars, flights, and cruise ships.
Cities worldwide are increasing their efforts to align advertising rules with climate change strategies. This includes The Hague, the third largest city in the Netherlands and home to the Dutch government and the United Nations International Court of Justice.
Last week, The Hague city council approved a comprehensive ban on outdoor advertising for fossil fuel-based products and services, as reported by Al Jazeera. Starting next year, campaigns for cars, flights, cruises, and petroleum-based products will no longer be allowed on analog outdoor surfaces or free-standing digital screens in public spaces.
The Hague, which aims to become CO2-neutral by 2030, has received support for its advertising ban from UN Secretary-General António Guterres. According to the Financial Times, he advocated for a global ban on advertising for oil, gas, and coal companies, similar to the tobacco industry, and described these companies as the “godfathers of climate chaos” in a passionate speech in June.
Similar bans on out-of-home advertising in public spaces have also been introduced in Amsterdam, Edinburgh and Sydney.
