Comms Declare has welcomed Adelaide City Council’s decision to reject fossil fuel advertising and sponsorships, adding to growing Australian and international momentum to restrict the promotion of unhealthy and high emissions products.
The motion, moved by Councillor Kieran Snape and carried tonight, means Council will no longer accept sponsorship from companies whose main business is extracting or selling coal, oil or gas, or advertising by those companies on Council-controlled signage on Council property.
Council will also review and update relevant policies, publish its position and inform stakeholders, including state and federal MPs.
At least 80 jurisdictions worldwide have voted for or implemented restrictions on fossil fuel advertising or sponsorship. Adelaide brings the Australian total to 24, reinforcing Australia’s position as an international leader.
Comms Declare founder Belinda Noble said: “Adelaide is now the third capital city in Australia whe”e fossil fuel advertising is restricted, showing the tide is turning in favour of clean energy and cleaner air.”
“We thank the Council for sending a clear message: fossil fuel promotion has no place on the public assets of a city, state or country committed to climate action and public health.”
The decision builds on Council’s declaration of a climate emergency in August 2019 and its Integrated Climate Strategy 2030.
“Declaring a climate emergency should inform the everyday decisions councils make, including whose advertising they display and whose sponsorship they accept,” Ms Noble said.
“We congratulate Councillor Snape and everyone who supported this motion. We urge other jurisdictions to follow Adelaide’s lead and put their climate commitments into practice.”
Comms Declare thanked the Conservation Council of South Australia and other local allies for their advocacy and ongoing work to reduce climate pollution.