Around the world in 8 high-carbon ad bans
Global examples of ‘best practice’ local and municipal policies to restrict highly polluting advertising and sponsorships.
Towns and cities in the UK and worldwide are adopting ‘tobacco-style’ restrictions on advertising and sponsorships that promote the most climate-polluting sectors, companies, products and services, in a drive to protect public health and the environment.
Edinburgh, Sheffield and Portsmouth City Councils are among more than 12 UK councils that have adopted some form of restriction on high carbon advertising. A snowball of such policies in the UK and Europe is gathering momentum, often spearheaded by bold local campaigning.
Campaigners from Reclaim Fossielvrij protest for an end to fossil fuel advertising in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Credit: Reclaim Fossielvrij.
A landmark ruling upholding the municipality of The Hague’s introduction of bans on fossil fuel, airline and other polluting ads has encouraged many more Dutch cities to follow suit.
The Scottish capital city, Edinburgh, has adopted a policy that screens out adverts and sponsorships for fossil fuel companies, airlines, airports, fossil-powered cars, SUVs, cruise ships and arms manufacturers on council-owned advertising spaces. The move was driven by Edinburgh’s climate goals and public health objectives. UK councils are legally supported to take this step.
““The advertising industry has a key role to play in promoting low-carbon behaviours. Conversely, the promotion of high-carbon products is incompatible with net zero objectives.” ”
Such restrictions are a common-sense and impactful measure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including through behavioural shifts, and support wider health and climate policymaking. France and Spain have drafted bans on some high-carbon advertising but these are awaiting implementation. Best practice examples to date are at the level of local government and municipalities (including transport operators).
These policies are introduced through varying mechanisms, including local law. Several include restrictions on sponsorship agreements, as well as on advertising.