Why a city of Netherlands has banned the meat advertising? Do you know the consequences of the ban? Let's see what other cities have made decisions along these lines. Let's get started!
In Harlem meat is not advertised
The Dutch city of Harlem has banned meat advertising. From 2024, advertisers will not be able to advertise this food. In this way, they plan to discourage the consumption of a product whose way of obtaining it causes massive emissions of CO2. In the same way, the city council has put an end to advertisements for flights and combustion cars.
However, these last two had already been eliminated in cities like Amsterdam, Read o There isa. In these, the Green Left (GroenLinks). However, Harlem has gone a step further with surprising support from the Christian Democrats. These have moved away from party politics at the national level.
GroenLinks councilman in Harlem, ziggy klazes, has filed the motion. He assures that "meat is just as harmful to the environment." He has also argued as follows: "we cannot tell people that there is a climate crisis and encourage them to buy products that are part of your cause.”
Are there precedents?
Other cities, like Lyon in France, they have taken other similar measures at the municipal level. It prohibited meat in the school canteens. The measure, approved by the most radical ecologists, was also criticized by sectors of the left and the government. Its detractors say that it prevents children from the most humble homes from wearing a healthy diet. The school canteen is usually their source of high biological value proteins. Others consider it a way of giving in to the islamic radicalism who rejects the pig.
A more extreme case was that of the Indian city of Benares. On the banks of GangesIt is a sacred place for Hindus. Well, the Hindu nationalist BJP party government banned the sale and consumption of meat within a radius of 250 meters of the temples and historical places. With such a large concentration of temples this meant a large-scale ban.
Is there any point in banning meat advertising?
There are doubts about the real impact that this will have. In fact, we don't even know if the ban will go into effect. The meat employer will take it to court to determine if it is a violation of the freedom of expression. However, Councilor Klazes says the decision will have an impact. He likens the measure to a ban on advertising tobacco o alcohol.
These have had long term effect when it comes to reducing their consumption. However, meat is different. That is, it is something that is not bad for health per se. In addition, many people depend on it to keep their jobs and there are even sustainable ways to get it. Is it a good idea to treat farm-raised meat the same way as pasture-raised meat? The truth is that no. Thus, we conclude that the consequences of this measure are unpredictable as it is a staple food deeply rooted in society since childhood.
