The city council of The Hague has approved a groundbreaking ban on outdoor advertising related to fossil fuels, setting one of the toughest restrictions of its kind globally. The decision, agreed upon on Thursday the 12th of September 2024, will see the Dutch city prohibit advertisements for fossil fuels, petrol cars, air travel, and cruise ships from its public spaces starting next year.
The ban follows a model similar to that used for gambling advertisements and marks a significant step in the city’s efforts to combat climate change. “The City Council of The Hague adopted two proposals to ban fossil advertising in outdoor spaces,” said council spokesman Jordy Kruse. The first proposal will notify advertising agencies of the new restriction, while the second enforces a comprehensive ban on fossil fuel advertising in public spaces, Kruse told AFP.
The ban will extend across public spaces such as billboards and freestanding screens, coming into force at the beginning of 2024. This move by The Hague is part of a broader trend in Europe, where political parties are increasingly advocating for restrictions on fossil fuel advertising.
Ahead of the 2024 EU elections, party programs in France, Sweden, and the Netherlands were analysed for their stances on fossil fuel advertising restrictions. In Sweden, both the Green Party and the Center Party fully agreed with the statement that “the EU should ban advertising for all goods and services that use fossil fuels.”
Meanwhile, in the Netherlands, the Greens and the Labour parties campaigned on a platform that included a pledge to “curb commercial advertising, starting with a ban on fossil advertisements and unhealthy things like (online) gambling, alcohol, and fast food. Illegal advertising on social media is addressed as well as influencers who knowingly recommend products that harm children’s health.”
The Hague’s decision reflects a growing consensus among European policymakers that stricter regulations on fossil fuel advertising are necessary to meet climate goals. These bans are expected to face legal challenges from affected industries, but authorities appear resolute in their commitment to reducing the visibility and appeal of high-carbon products and services.
Environmental advocates have praised the move, calling it a bold step towards aligning advertising regulations with climate objectives. The ban in The Hague is likely to be watched closely by other cities and countries grappling with how to balance commercial freedoms with the urgent need to address climate change.
