Amsterdam became the world’s first capital to ban outdoor advertising of meat and fossil fuel–related goods, the BBC reported. The restrictions took effect on May 1.
Advertisements for burgers, gasoline cars and even air travel have been removed from billboards, public transport stops and subway stations. Authorities justify the move with environmental goals — the city aims to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 and reduce meat consumption in half.
Notably, meat advertising did not account for a large share of the market, at around 0.1%. For comparison, fossil fuel-related ads accounted for approximately 4%.
The decision has already sparked debate. Meat industry representatives called the ban an attempt to influence consumers’ choices, while the tourism industry considers the restrictions on flight advertising too strict and damaging to companies.
