Advocates Push for expanded adoption of city bans on advertisements promoting fossil fuels, following a significant court decision.

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The well-being of citizens is more important than corporate profits, the court ruled.

A ban on fossil fuel advertisements in The Hague has been upheld by a Dutch court, initiating a "groundbreaking decision" that environmental warriors hope will inspire other cities to take action.

Last September, The Hague became the world's first city to enact a law banning ads that promote fossil fuels, including gas-guzzling cars, air travel, and luxury cruises. This ban has been in effect since January 1, 2025, but ANVR - the Dutch trade association for travel agencies - and travel company TUI challenged the law in court, hoping to overturn it.

On April 25, the district court of The Hague ruled in favor of the city, marking the first time a court has assessed a municipal ad ban in such a way.

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"This is a major victory for the fossil ad ban and the health of citizens and the planet," states Femke Sleegers of Fossil Free Advertising. "Cities across the globe can now sweep their streets clean of ads fueling the climate crisis."

"As with anti-smoking policies, ineffective when tobacco ads are rampant, we can't expect effective climate policy with fossil fuel products advertised everywhere," she adds.

What led to the upholding of the fossil fuel ad ban?

During preliminary relief proceedings, the judge rejected all objections to the ban.

ANVR and TUI argued that the ban infringes upon free speech and entrepreneurship rights. They also objected to the claim that the ban would reduce emissions, and said the municipality lacked the qualifications to implement it.

However, the court found the reasons for the ban to be justified, and concluded that it could aid in countering the effects of climate change and improving citizens' health in the city. The ruling states, "It is not surprising that the weighing of interests has turned against the advertisers."

The ban enjoys public support, according to a survey by Climate Action Against Disinformation (CAAD), released last week. It found that 71% of Dutch citizens believe a ban on fossil fuel advertising is an effective method to reduce the spread of harmful climate disinformation.

Though in effect since early 2025, no fines will be issued until May 1 due to a transitional agreement.

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Cities around the world are encouraged to follow The Hague's example

With the April 25 ruling, The Hague has established a precedent that politicians, experts, and climate activists aim to see replicated across the world.

"This court ruling signifies a milestone. It demonstrates that municipalities are not helpless, but possess the tools to confront the climate crisis," explains Robert Barker, deputy mayor of The Hague (Party for the Animals).

"It would be fantastic if numerous cities worldwide imitated The Hague, each contributing to a brighter, more eco-friendly future," he adds.

"Cities the world over would be wise to follow The Hague's lead and introduce similar laws to help usher in an era of decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and feel confident with the wind of this judgment behind them," concludes Jonathan White, lawyer for the environmental legal charity ClientEarth.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has advocated for a tobacco-style global ban on advertising by fossil fuel companies, branding them "godfathers of climate chaos."

France became the first country to enact a fossil fuel ad ban in 2022, albeit in a weaker form that still allows gas ads and ads in the context of event sponsorship. Similarly, other cities and councils, including Sheffield and Edinburgh, have introduced measures to ban advertising for oil, gas, and coal. Fossil fuel advertisements have been banned in some locations, such as public transportation, in Amsterdam since 2021.

Last year, Edinburgh council decided to ban ads for "high-carbon products" on council-owned spaces like billboards and bus stops.

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The ruling by The Hague court compelling the ban on fossil fuel advertisements has been declared a "groundbreaking decision" in the realm of environmental science, as it addresses climate change and reduces the spread of harmful climate disinformation.
The upholding of the ban on fossil fuel advertisements in The Hague has been greeted with public support, according to a survey by Climate Action Against Disinformation (CAAD), with 71% of Dutch citizens endorsing it as an effective method for reducing emissions.
Politicians, experts, and climate activists hope that The Hague's landmark court ruling will inspire other cities to replicate the ban on fossil fuel advertisements, contributing to a more eco-friendly future.
The court ruling in The Hague has set a precedent in policy and legislation that could aid in countering the effects of climate change and improving citizens' health in cities across the globe.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has championed a tobacco-style global ban on advertising by fossil fuel companies, positioning them as the "godfathers of climate chaos," and encouraging cities worldwide to emulate The Hague's ban on fossil fuel advertisements.