Sign up for daily news updates from CleanTechnica on email. Or follow us on Google News!
A ban on fossil advertising in the Hague went into effect in January 2025. The city council approved the ban in September 2024. The Hague is the first city in the world to implement such a ban, which covers fossil fuel advertising in public spaces. A city council is by definition a government organization, meaning it is not an activist organization. Such an idea and ban might be expected to originate from a non-governmental organization, such as EarthFirst or the like. In this case, perhaps the ban demonstrates how advanced a city council can be in relation to the climate change crisis and actually taking action instead of endlessly dithering or remaining in denial.
It’s a fascinating development considering what is happening in Los Angeles where climate change is thought to have contributed to the fires. In other words, what do city governments do when their leaders must face the urgent matter of climate change impacts? Complacency and taking no constructive actions contribute to climate change.
Jordy Kruse, a Hague board spokesperson, answered some questions about the ban for CleanTechnica.
Why did The Hague city council move to ban fossil fuel advertising in the city?
We are facing a climate crisis — this is code red. The impacts are visible worldwide, and The Hague is no exception. As the only major Dutch city located on the coast, we are particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels. Currently, we are working on scenarios to address this challenge. If we do nothing, parts of our city will eventually be submerged.
Fossil fuel advertisements promote products that directly contribute to the climate crisis. To achieve meaningful progress, it is crucial to stop encouraging the use of fossil fuels through advertising.
In 2021, the Party for the Animals first proposed a motion to ban fossil fuel advertisements in public spaces. Initially, this proposal did not pass. However, in September 2024, the proposal gained majority support, and since January 1, 2025, fossil fuel advertisements have been prohibited in public spaces in The Hague.
How common was this type of advertising prior to the ban?
Fossil fuel advertisements were a regular feature in the city’s public spaces.
How many people live in the city, and have they expressed opinions about the ban, either for or against it?
The Hague has a population of 565,000. As with any proposal, there are both supporters and opponents.
Do laws and courts there distinguish between commercial expression and personal expression when it comes to free speech?
The local ban on fossil fuel advertisements specifically applies to commercial expressions.
Will there be any legal challenge to the ban?
The trade association for travel organizations (ANVR) previously announced plans to challenge the ban in court. As of now, no legal proceedings have commenced.
Does the ban prohibit showing an image of a cruise ship only, or any reference to a cruise?
The image of a cruise ship is prohibited, as it constitutes advertising for taking a cruise. This is comparable to showing an image of an airplane, which implies the promotion of air travel.
Have any other cities expressed interest in implementing a similar ban?
Several other cities in the Netherlands are considering implementing a ban on fossil fuel advertisements.
Chip in a few dollars a month to help support independent cleantech coverage that helps to accelerate the cleantech revolution!
Have a tip for CleanTechnica? Want to advertise? Want to suggest a guest for our CleanTech Talk podcast? Contact us here.
Sign up for our daily newsletter for 15 new cleantech stories a day. Or sign up for our weekly one if daily is too frequent.
CleanTechnica uses affiliate links. See our policy here.
CleanTechnica’s Comment Policy