The Faculty of Public Health (FPH) published a new briefing for local authorities on low carbon advertising and sponsorship policies. The new guidance recognises high carbon advertising as a significant factor in exacerbating the impacts of the climate emergency, and calls for the end of climate-harming advertising and sponsorships that promote sectors such as fossil fuel companies, airlines, and fossil fuel-powered cars.
The briefing provides guidance to councils on implementing this cost-effective measure that supports efforts to reach net zero, reduce air pollution, and protect health – Edinburgh and Sheffield City Councils are among those in the UK that have introduced low carbon advertising and sponsorship policies.
This policy brief follows a position statement on fossil fuels published earlier this year, which describes the harms and inequitable health impacts associated with these fuels, including air pollution, energy poverty and cold homes.
FPH President Professor Kevin Fenton said:
“The Faculty of Public Health recognises the climate crisis as the greatest threat to human health this century, and we know that the use of fossil fuels has a devastating impact on the life chances of populations across the globe, including here in the UK.
“Advertising of fossil fuels and high-carbon products and commodities are exacerbating this already spiralling crisis, and this new briefing aims to support and empower local leaders to implement low-carbon advertising and sponsorship policies.”
