Netherlands court upholds world first ban of fossil fuel ads
Netherlands court upholds world first ban of fossil fuel ads
World-First: Fossil Fuel Ad Ban in The Hague Survives Legal Challenge
In January 2023, the Dutch city of The Hague introduced a first-of-its-kind municipal ordinance banning advertisements for fossil fuels, fossil-powered transport, and the aviation sector in all public spaces, including bus stops, billboards, and other outdoor media platforms managed by the city.
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Shortly after its introduction, the ordinance was challenged by travel companies which argued that the ban was too broad and restricted their commercial interests.
However, in April 2024, a Dutch court ruled that the city of The Hague acted lawfully in introducing the ban. The court recognized the city’s right — and responsibility — to protect public health and the environment, especially in the context of the climate crisis. This ruling not only safeguards the fossil ad ban but also sets a legal precedent for other cities worldwide to follow.
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I hope they do this in the whole country, we're already getting bombarded enough with those commercials on TV. Don't need constant reminders about cheap airline tickets on the street...
And internet, where they keep paying "influencers" to repeat oil and gas talking points.
Does this really set legal precedent for cities outside the Netherlands like the article suggests?
legal precedent
This term has quite different meanings, depending where you are.
Why the hell do fossil fuel companies even need to advertise?
They don't offer anything unique, fuel is fuel. If it's for home heating or electricity I do t exactly have a choice in who provides It.
If it's gas for a vehicle I'm choosing whoever is closest when I need gas because everyone is always magocally the exact same price everywhere.
How does advertising even benefit them at all?
Propaganda is a powerful manipulator. Design/ad budgets change how people think about things. Fossil fuel companies should absolutely not be allowed to spend money on ads: that money should go toward climate reparations.
Greenwashing.
I am Dutch and all Shell adds I have seen is about how much they are moving into green technology.
Yet, during a share holders meeting they proudly state they will not do that and invest more in oil because 'the oil market still saw growth.'
Or that the green investments is mostly into hydrogen, so that they can continue with their production scarcity nonsense.
fossil fuels, fossil-powered transport, and the aviation sector in all public spaces
I think this includes ads for non-electric cars, which is huge. Flights too.
Ban car and meat ads too.
banning advertisements for fossil fuels, fossil-powered transport, and the aviation sector
Does this extend to ads for public transport?
Dutch Railways have fully run on green energy since 2017. AFAIK there are no other train companies running on diesel anymore either. Buses are getting electrified, albeit slowly.
Adverts for public transport? Makes about as much sense as adverts for fossil fuel - I guess. I don't recall ever seing one where I live though.