The Hague has passed the world’s first law prohibiting advertisements promoting fossil fuel products and high-carbon services like aviation and cruise ships.
The new law, effective in 2025, bans fossil fuel-related ads from public spaces like billboards and bus shelters in The Hague.
The legislation does not cover political advertising by the fossil fuel industry or brand-promoting ads.
The move may inspire similar efforts in cities like Toronto and Graz.
Key quote:
“The Hague shows the courage needed to tackle the climate crisis.”
— Femke Sleegers, Reclame Fossielvrij
Why this matters:
Fossil fuel ads promote unsustainable behaviors that conflict with climate policy. Banning these ads can help shift public focus toward sustainable options like public transport, supporting broader environmental goals.
A queasiness has set in among some people who have made ads promoting fossil fuels. One executive likened the shift to the ad industry’s move away from tobacco.
