Efforts by Canada in Combating Greenwashing are Yielding Successful Results

In response to Canada's Bill C-59, Pathways Alliance erased its web content amid a crackdown on climate misinformation, marking a shift towards greater corporate accountability.

Canadian Organizations Scrub Websites Amid Climate Misinformation Crackdown

With the recent pushback against environmental misinformation in Canada, the Pathways Alliance, a group of the country’s leading fossil fuel companies, has erased the content from their website and social media platforms. The decision was prompted by Bill C-59, an amendment to Canada’s Competition Act, necessitating companies to provide evidence for their environmental claims. A brief statement was all that remained.

Leah Temper, Health and Economic Policy Program Director at the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, referred to this move as a possible turning point for corporate accountability in Canada. She noted that Bill C-59’s effect on truth in advertising can already be seen, even before it has officially passed.

Temper remarked, “Companies can currently make any environmental claim they please with absolute impunity. It’s a wild west.” The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change states that disinformation regarding the environment and climate change is a key obstacle to enforcing robust enough climate policies to prevent the situation from worsening.

The Pathways Alliance, among other groups, had already been under investigation by the Competition Bureau before the introduction of the new rule. However, this is not the only initiative aimed at combating greenwashing and climate disinformation. Environmental organizations and politicians have been submitting complaints to the Competition Bureau, filing lawsuits, and proposing new legislation to alleviate these problems for over two years.

Some significant initiatives include:

    • NDP MP Charlie Angus introduced a private members bill in February that seeks to prohibit deceptive fossil fuel advertising, a strategy similar to those used against tobacco ads in the 1990s.
    • The federal Competition Bureau is presently conducting various investigations into greenwashing allegations against resource extraction companies and industry groups, including examining the Pathways Alliance’s net zero claims.
    • In March, B.C. residents and environmental groups filed a lawsuit against FortisBC over alleged greenwashing of its gas products.
    • Last month, a leaked document revealed that Ad Standards, Canada’s industry organization for ad regulation, ruled against misleading advertisements promoting liquified natural gas by the pro-oil-and-gas group Canada Action. However, Ad Standards lacks enforcement powers and its final decisions remain confidential.

The decision by Pathways Alliance to erase its website might be an indication that greenwashing crackdown efforts are proving to be effective, according to Temper. She stressed on the urgency of this shift, stating, “Significant decisions about our energy futures are being made daily. Greenwashing is specifically designed to hinder this energy transition.”

Original Story at www.nationalobserver.com

Trending News

Federal Funding Targets Reduction of Carbon Emissions and Air Pollution at US Ports


The U.S. government has announced a new initiative to tackle carbon emissions and air pollution at the nation’s ports. This effort comes with the allocation of federal funds aimed at modernizing port infrastructure and promoting sustainable practices. The goal is to significantly reduce the environmental impact of port operations, a critical step in addressing climate change.



Significant Investments in Green Technologies


The initiative involves substantial investments in green technologies, including electrified equipment and renewable energy sources. Ports are major contributors to air pollution, primarily due to emissions from diesel-powered vehicles and equipment. By adopting cleaner technologies, the U.S. aims to cut down on the release of harmful pollutants.



Government and Industry Collaboration


The program calls for collaboration between federal agencies and industry stakeholders. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides guidelines for reducing emissions, offering ports technical assistance to implement sustainable practices. This partnership is crucial for developing innovative solutions tailored to specific port needs.



Impact on Local Communities


Local communities, often disproportionately affected by air pollution from ports, are expected to benefit from cleaner air and improved health outcomes. The initiative emphasizes the importance of involving community organizations to ensure that the changes address local concerns.



Monitoring and Accountability


To ensure accountability, the program includes measures for monitoring emissions reductions and evaluating the effectiveness of implemented technologies. This data-driven approach facilitates continuous improvement and demonstrates the benefits of federal investments in environmental sustainability.



Long-Term Environmental Goals


This federal funding aligns with broader environmental goals, including achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The U.S. government continues to prioritize policy changes that support these objectives and drive progress within the transportation and logistics sectors.