Helsinki City Council launches study on banning fossil fuel advertising on public spaces

The Helsinki city council voted to investigate restricting fossil-fuel advertising on venues managed by the municipality. The initiative, led by Isaac Jyväsjärvi and supported by 27 other councillors, aims to curb marketing of fossil-fuel sales, private vehicles, cruise ships, flights and sport-event sponsorships that promote fossil-fuel use. The motion passed with 53 votes to 29.

An amendment by Pinja Vuori expands the scope to include advertising locations overseen by the regional transport authority. The study will determine which ad spots and messages could be prohibited, with details to be set in a forthcoming administrative preparation. Officials note that any restrictions could affect advertising revenue and require additional monitoring resources, but the proposer believes local businesses could fill any gaps.