Edinburgh Bans Airport, Cruise Ship, and Car Advertisements in Effort to Achieve Net Zero Emissions
The Scottish Greens hope that a ban on promoting ‘high carbon products’ will lead to a change in consumer behavior.
Edinburgh Council has decided to ban advertisements for fossil fuel-powered cars and cruise holidays on council-owned spaces.
On Tuesday, the council introduced a net zero policy led by the Scottish Greens, which states that any advertisement or sponsorship proposal promoting “high carbon products” will not be approved.
This means that advertisements for airlines, airports, cars, cruise ships, and fossil fuel companies are now prohibited in the Scottish capital on council-owned spaces like billboards and bus stops.
The council opted not to ban meat advertisements, deeming it “highly controversial.”
‘Shift in Society’s Perception of Success’
“To achieve this goal, there needs to be a change in society’s view of success, and the advertising industry plays a crucial role in promoting low-carbon behaviors,” stated the council.
The council emphasized that promoting “high-carbon products” does not align with net zero objectives.
The policy is fully in line with the council’s net zero goals for 2030.
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Edinburgh currently has a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) that operates 24/7, charging non-compliant vehicles for driving through the city. Earlier this year, the city committed to a Plant-Based Treaty Action Plan to enhance access to plant-based foods for residents.
The city is now among those that have adopted bans on adverts for “high carbon products.”
Last year, Somerset Council implemented a policy aimed specifically at advertisements on 120 roundabouts in the county. Sheffield City Council has also introduced a similar measure.
‘No Low Carbon Options’
Regarding airlines and airports, the council stated that there are currently no low carbon options available for commercial air travel, making air travel inherently high carbon.
Edinburgh Airport, which serves 14.4 million passengers annually, is included in the ban.
Furthermore, the council asserted that cruise holidays produce more carbon per passenger kilometer than flying, emit “black carbon,” and generate waste that is often released into the sea.
The engines of cruise ships operate 24/7, even when docked, impacting air quality negatively, according to the council.
SUVs, including electric ones, as well as all fossil fuel companies, regardless of their sustainability efforts, are part of the banned advertisements.
A spokesperson for Edinburgh Airport mentioned that “a balance must be struck.”
The ban also extends to arms manufacturers in advertising and sponsorship partnerships.
The council acknowledged that the decision may result in up to a 10 percent decrease in advertising revenue.
Climate Justice
Green Councillor Ben Parker, who led the policy in Edinburgh, expressed satisfaction with the council’s stance against fossil fuel advertising and sponsorship. He hopes that other councils in Scotland will follow suit.
“It only makes sense that if the council is serious about climate justice, we cannot endorse fossil fuel companies through council advertising space,” added Parker.
The policy is endorsed by Adfree Cities, with Robbie Gillett from the organization praising Edinburgh Council for its forward-thinking climate policy.
Ignore Practical Realities of Our Energy Needs
UKIP is currently contesting the general election over “unachievable and damaging climate objectives.”
UKIP leader Lois Perry expressed dissent regarding Edinburgh’s decision to ban advertisements for airlines, cars, cruise lines, and fossil fuel companies, characterizing it as a misguided step driven by flawed net zero ideology.
Perry argued that such measures will hinder the city’s economy, restrict consumer choices, and undermine crucial industries providing services and jobs.
She further stated, “Net zero strategies, like this one, disregard the practical realities of our energy requirements and the significant contributions of these industries to our country’s prosperity.”
The Epoch Times reached out to Edinburgh Council for comment.
PA Media contributed to this report.
