France bans fossil fuel advertisements

PARIS

France on Monday enforced a ban on advertising fossil fuels.

The ban comes into effect for all petroleum energy products, energy from the combustion of coal mining, and hydrogen-containing carbons. Natural gas is exempted from the prohibition until June 2023.

According to the US-based Climate Accountability Institute, fossil fuel companies are among the top carbon polluters and earn millions in profits while promoting the sale of coal and gas.

There has been a growing demand globally for a ban on fossil fuel advertisements in recent years. Last year, Greenpeace and 20 other environmental organizations demanded a European Union wide ban on fossil fuel advertisements.

The ban on advertisements in France was covered in the climate law adopted by the parliament in August 2021 which aims to enforce stricter regulations to reduce energy consumption and promote sustainable energy measures.

Some forms of advertising like financial investments in fossil fuels, or communication-related sponsorship are not included in the ban. Also, advertising will be permissible for decarbonized hydrogen, fuels that have at least 50% renewable energy content and comply with greenhouse gas emission reduction criteria, and gas supply with 50% biogas content.

Failure to comply with the prohibitions can attract a penalty between €20,000 - €100,000 ($20,012-$100,060) and repeat offenders may have to pay double the amount.