greenwashing
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Utilities charging premiums for "certified gas" face greenwashing accusations
A report by climate advocates claims that the fossil fuel industry’s “certified gas” programs are ineffective and misleading.
In short:
- Gas utilities promote certified gas as low-carbon but climate groups call it greenwashing.
- Methane detection systems often fail to identify emissions, undermining certification claims.
- U.S. senators urge the FTC to investigate deceptive environmental claims by gas certification programs.
Key quote:
“Certified gas is a greenwashing scam. There is not nearly enough evidence from the certifiers or the oil and gas industry itself that this gas is actually indeed [associated with] lower methane emissions.”
— Dakota Raynes, researcher, Earthworks
Why this matters:
Critics argue that certified gas still involves the extraction and burning of fossil fuels, which inevitably releases greenhouse gases and other pollutants. They emphasize that any fossil fuel use perpetuates dependence on non-renewable energy sources and delays the transition to truly clean energy alternatives like wind and solar.
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UN chief calls for ban on fossil fuel advertising
UN Secretary General António Guterres has called for a ban on fossil fuel advertising to combat climate change, labeling coal, oil, and gas corporations as "godfathers of climate chaos."
In short:
- Guterres compared fossil fuel advertising to tobacco ads, suggesting both should be banned due to their harmful impacts.
- New studies show global warming is accelerating, with each of the past 12 months setting temperature records.
- The UN lacks legal means to enforce the ban, but Guterres' call boosts campaign efforts against fossil fuel sponsorships.
Key quote:
"We must directly confront those in the fossil fuel industry who have shown relentless zeal for obstructing progress – over decades."
— António Guterres, UN Secretary-General
Why this matters:
Limiting fossil fuel advertising could help reduce public deception and promote cleaner energy alternatives, crucial for mitigating climate change's health and environmental impacts. Read more: Greenwashing’s medieval age.
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Credit: Fabio Rossi/Flickr
Natural gas study draws criticism over industry influence
A recent report led by former U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz and funded by the natural gas industry, has faced backlash for downplaying the climate impact of natural gas.
In short:
- The report was funded by the natural gas industry and is said to favor LNG despite climate concerns.
- A congressional investigation revealed that oil and gas companies have been downplaying the climate impact of natural gas.
- Some scientists argue the climate impact of natural gas is as bad as or worse than coal.
Key quote:
"The facts presented then and subsequent research from RMI and peers have confirmed that leaks of methane, the main ingredient in natural gas, even at small amounts, make it as bad as or worse than coal for the climate and not necessarily the cleaner alternative it was once thought to be."
— Amory Lovins, cofounder and former chief scientist for the Rocky Mountain Institute
Why this matters:
Understanding the industry's influence on reports like this one is crucial to ensure policies are based on objective science. Read more: EPA’s “scientific integrity” program lacks teeth, group alleges.
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Oil companies leverage academic partnerships to influence climate change action
Oil companies are strategically partnering with universities to influence climate change research and policy, recently revealed documents show.
In short:
- Major oil companies have donated millions to prestigious universities to shape research and gain favorable insights for their business interests.
- Congressional investigators released documents showing that these partnerships were designed to influence perceptions of oil and gas companies in climate debates.
- Critics argue that the industry is leveraging its academic relationships to minimize its responsibility for climate change and avoid meaningful emission reductions.
Key quote:
“The evidence uncovered by Oversight Committee Democrats shows that Big Oil has run campaigns to confuse and mislead the public while working unceasingly to lock down a fossil fuel future.”
— Jamie Raskin, Democratic Representative
Why this matters:
Oil companies are trying to control the narrative around climate change by shaping academic research to align with their interests, undermining independent science and influencing policy. Read more: How the “Halliburton Loophole” lets fracking companies pollute water with no oversight.
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Credit: Darren Tennant/Flickr
Deciphering the deceptive tactics of the fossil fuel industry
Investigative journalists delve into the intricate strategies deployed by the fossil fuel industry to sow doubt and misinformation, urging the public to remain vigilant amidst mounting climate crises.
In short:
- Energy security narratives from the fossil fuel industry often overlook alternative sources and promote nationalistic undertones, despite documented risks of dependency on hydrocarbons.
- The fossil fuel industry has long pushed the false dichotomy of economy versus environment, using studies to argue that environmental action is economically detrimental.
- Through propaganda campaigns, the fossil fuel industry shifts blame onto consumers, portraying fossil fuels as essential for progress and shaming individuals for their usage.
Key quote:
"Basically it’s a propaganda campaign."
— Robert Brulle, environmental sociologist at Brown University
Why this matters:
Understanding and debunking the fossil fuel industry's deceptive tactics is important for informed decision-making regarding climate policy and personal environmental actions. Environmental science and journalism face continued obstacles from misinformation.
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Plastic recycling's new era faces hurdles
Despite big brands' pledges for a greener future, advanced recycling technology lags in effectiveness.
In short:
- Big companies like Nestlé and Procter & Gamble invest in chemical recycling (also known as "advanced recycling") plants to meet environmental goals, but the technology is problematic.
- PureCycle Technologies, central to these efforts, struggles with technical issues and skepticism over its ability to process hard-to-recycle plastics.
- Critics argue the industry promotes recycling as a solution to deflect from the real issue: the need to reduce plastic production.
Key quote:
“The industry is trying to say they have a solution. It’s a non-solution.”
-- Terrence J. Collins, professor of chemistry and sustainability science at Carnegie Mellon University
Why this matters:
Proposals are in the works for chemical recycling plants across the U.S. To learn more, check out EHN's explainer, along with our recent reporting on conflicts and impacts of chemical recycling in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
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Photo by Emerson Vieira on Unsplash
New York takes legal action against Brazilian meatpacker over misleading climate promises
New York's Attorney General Letitia James accuses JBS, the world's largest meatpacker, of false advertising about its climate initiatives.
David Gelles and Manuela Andreoni report for The New York Times.
In short:
- JBS is charged with making deceptive claims about reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
- The company's statements in ads and interviews have been criticized as greenwashing, misleading consumers about its environmental impact.
- Despite JBS's defense, the lawsuit underscores the growing legal and public scrutiny over corporate environmental claims.
Key quote:
"When companies falsely advertise their commitment to sustainability, they are misleading consumers and endangering our planet."
— Letitia James, New York Attorney General
Why this matters:
This lawsuit emphasizes the importance of truthful environmental reporting by corporations, pivotal for informed consumer choices and the global effort against climate change. It signals a rising accountability for companies in their environmental commitments, reflecting broader concerns over climate action's authenticity in the corporate sector.
Peter Dykstra: The fervor surrounding so many environmental issues makes the subject matter so vulnerable to being fertilized with B.S.
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