A greener message: Cities around the world are rethinking harmful advertising
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Advertising plays a powerful role in shaping what we buy, how we travel and the lifestyles we aspire to. As the climate crisis becomes increasingly difficult to ignore, cities around the world are beginning to ask an important question: should public spaces be used to promote products and practices that harm the planet?
From fossil fuels and high-emission vehicles to factory-farmed meat and fast fashion, a growing number of councils and cities are taking action to limit advertising for high-carbon products.
We think that’s something worth celebrating!
Changing the message
In the UK, Hackney Council has pledged what would be a historic first - a ban on advertising for factory-farmed meat and dairy products. The move recognises the environmental impact of intensive animal agriculture and sends a powerful message about the products being promoted in public spaces.
Elsewhere, Edinburgh and Sheffield have introduced restrictions on advertising for high-carbon products, including fossil fuel companies, airlines, SUVs and petrol and diesel vehicles on council-owned spaces.
Bristol has taken things even further. The city became the first in the UK to ban Black Friday advertisements and promotions encouraging excessive fast-fashion consumption on council-owned billboards and bus stops. Its restrictions also cover advertising for non-electric cars, flights and cruise holidays.
These changes show that tackling climate change isn't only about building renewable energy or reducing emissions. It’s also about creating an environment where sustainable choices are easier to see, understand and embrace.
A movement going global
The shift isn't limited to the UK. Cities around the world are beginning to rethink what belongs in their public spaces.
In Sweden, Stockholm and Gothenburg have introduced restrictions targeting high-emission advertising, including fossil fuel and airline adverts across municipal transport networks.
The Netherlands has been particularly ambitious. Amsterdam became the world's first major capital city to ban public advertising for meat products, including burgers, alongside advertising for fossil fuel-related travel and petrol cars on municipal property. The Hague has also banned public advertising promoting fossil fuels, petrol and diesel cars, aviation and cruise ships.
The movement even extends across the Atlantic, with Toronto and Montreal adopting restrictions on fossil fuel and high-carbon vehicle advertising across public transport infrastructure.
A greener future starts with the messages we see
Advertising alone won't solve the climate crisis, but it can influence the choices we make and public spaces give cities an opportunity to influence that message every day.
When billboards and bus stops stop promoting high-carbon products and instead make space for cleaner alternatives, it helps shift what feels normal and desirable.
From Bristol to Amsterdam, Stockholm to Montreal, these cities are showing that public spaces can be about more than selling things. They can reflect the future we want to build.
Plus, if that future is cleaner, greener and healthier, that's a message worth putting on a billboard.
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