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.
The artwork by Johannes Vermeer, exhibited in The Hague, was the latest artwork to be targeted by protesters concerned about climate change. One person glued his head to the painting and another glued his hand to the wall.
A Dutch court has ordered Shell to bring its emissions in line with the Paris climate targets. Claimants had argued that Shell had violated human rights by fueling the climate crisis.
A group of environmental organizations backed by thousands of Dutch citizens launched a civil case Tuesday against the energy giant Shell, asking a court to order the multinational to commit to reining in its carbon emissions by 45% by the year 2030.
