The Dutch capital of Amsterdam and the Italian of Florence have approved bans on fossil fuel advertisements, joining dozens of cities worldwide that have introduced restrictions on the promotion of polluting products.
Last month, Amsterdam’s city council passed a legally binding ban on ads for fossil fuels and meat products in a 27-17 vote, becoming the first capital city to fully prohibit such ads. The ban, set to kick in on May 1, spans high-carbon products and services like flights, petrol and diesel vehicles, gas heating contracts and meat products across all public spaces in the city, including on public transport.
On Tuesday, Florence followed suit, becaming the first Italian city to adopt a ban on fossil fuel advertising in public spaces in an 18-3 vote. “By approving this motion, Florence chooses to lead Italy in a necessary cultural and symbolic shift to address the climate crisis,” said Florence City Councilor Giovanni Graziani.
“We do not wish to judge or condemn individual choices, but rather to reduce collective exposure to fossil fuel-based consumption models that harm the environment and health. This is an act of responsibility toward our citizens and toward the commitments Florence has made to reach climate neutrality by 2030,” Graziani added.
To date, over 50 cities, mostly European, have either restricted such ads in specific areas or tabled motions to introduce formal limitations. Some – including several Dutch municipalities, Stockholm, Edinburgh and Sydney – have banned them altogether.
