This Town Is The World’s First To Ban Meat Ads

The Dutch city of Haarlem becomes the first city in the world to ban ads in public spaces. Haarlem, which is located in the west of The Netherlands, is home to 160,000 people. From 2024, meat ads will not be allowed on buses or screens in public places. 

The move is part of efforts to reduce meat consumption and related greenhouse emissions. The meat and dairy industries significantly contribute to the climate crisis. 

According to recent studies, the food industry is responsible for one-third of all global greenhouse emissions. Meat production accounts for twice the pollution of production of plant-based foods. Animal farming produces large quantities of methane, a potent gas responsible for global warming. Much of the land is used for animal feed and grazing, causing pollution to soil, water and air. 

Ziggy Klazes from the local green party (GroenLinks) told Haarlem105 radio channel: “We are not about what people are baking and roasting in their own kitchen; if people wanted to continue eating meat, fine … We can’t tell people there’s a climate crisis and encourage them to buy products that are part of the cause.

“Of course, there are a lot of people who find the decision outrageous and patronising, but there are also a lot of people who think it’s fine.

“It is a signal – if it is picked up nationally, that would only be very nice. There are many groups of GroenLinks who think it is a good idea and want to try it.”