‘It is neither credible nor legally safe’
One of Europe’s biggest oil companies has been forced to make major changes to its public messaging after a court found it misled consumers about its supposedly environmentally friendly practices.
What’s going on?
On October 23, a court in Paris concluded that TotalEnergies, a massive oil and gas company based in France, had exaggerated its commitment to helping the environment and preventing global temperatures from continuing to rise.
As Mongabay reportsThis is believed to be the first time an oil company has been found legally responsible for this practice, commonly known as greenwashing.
The company, which changed its name from Total to TotalEnergies in 2021, launched a campaign that includes goals such as switching from dirty fuels to renewable energy projects and reaching carbon neutrality by 2050.
However, the following year, several environmental advocacy groups filed a lawsuit against TotalEnergies. Among the evidence they showed to the court was that TotalEnergies continued to pursue gas and oil projects in Europe and Africa, despite its environmentally friendly message.
The court ordered TotalEnergies to remove all misleading claims from its website and prominently display the court’s decision for six months or face a daily fine.
“This sends a signal globally that the oil and gas industry’s claims of shared transit are misleading,” said Johnny White, an attorney representing consumers. he told Mongabay. “It is neither credible nor legally safe for companies that want to expand fossil fuels to use such rhetoric from now on.”
Why is this important?
Unfortunately, greenwashing is a common practice, especially among large companies dealing with dirty fuels.
When you visit most major oil company websites, you’ll likely find a prominent section on sustainability and environmentally friendly practices. But the truth is that these companies are among the world leaders in burning dirty fuels and releasing waste into the environment. heat trapping pollution This caused global temperatures to increase.
ExxonMobil recently came under fire for presenting a plan to capture and store carbon because the claims didn’t hold water. examination. Two major dirty fuel companies in Canada are facing complaints over “widespread false” claims about their clean energy practices.
This isn’t even TotalEnergies’ first attempt at greenwashing. Earlier this year, one of its social media ads promoting wind energy was banned after authorities found the company had failed to properly disclose that it dealt primarily with dirty fuels.
What can I do about greenwashing?
First step Understand what greenwashing is and how companies do it. From there, it’s easier to recognize when a company is engaging in this performance tactic and spend time researching the company’s actual practices before giving them your hard-earned money.
Of course, when it comes to protecting our planet, there are companies that are walking this path. With We support these eco-friendly brandsYou can feel good knowing that your money is going to those who want to make the Earth a cooler and better place.
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