‘Climate-Washing’ Brawls Will Target New Sectors, Governments

Court watchers predict new types of lawsuits and administrative complaints as advocates get creative in challenging questionable climate commitments made by companies and government officials.

Promises to reduce emissions and buzzwords like “carbon neutrality” are opening up new avenues for litigation and non-judicial complaints through agencies like the Federal Trade Commission against a variety of sectors and products using climate-focused language in their advertising and business practices.

“The more companies focus on these goals and start pushing them out there, the more possibilities there are for unfair and deceptive practices,” Earthjustice senior attorney Hana Vizcarra said.

Deceptive climate marketing is ...