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The Science of Climate Change

Climate change is no longer a distant threat or just a possibility, it is now a reality for all of us. In this pathway, Kevin Trenberth, a renowned climatologist, delves into the science behind climate change. He first introduces the climate system, its main components and forces.

Tackling the Plastic Crisis

Plastic pollution is by far the biggest threat to our oceans and this remains an incredibly tough problem to solve. Plastic credits could potentially serve as one of the much needed solutions for this crisis.

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The Scale of the Net Zero Challenge

The price of meeting net zero is estimated to be between $100-150 trillion over the next 30 years. Regardless of this cost, we need to reach net zero before climate change does irreversible damage to the environment and the economy.

ESG, Sustainability and Impact Jargon Buster

ESG, sustainability, impact… they all just mean green, right? Not quite. Despite being used often interchangeably, there are distinct differences between these terms.

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Featured Pathways

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The Science of Climate Change

Climate change is no longer a distant threat or just a possibility, it is now a reality for all of us. In this pathway, Kevin Trenberth, a renowned climatologist, delves into the science behind climate change. He first introduces the climate system, its main components and forces.

Tackling the Plastic Crisis

Plastic pollution is by far the biggest threat to our oceans and this remains an incredibly tough problem to solve. Plastic credits could potentially serve as one of the much needed solutions for this crisis.

More pathways

Book a demo

Ready to get started?

Our Platform

Expert led content

+1,000 expert presented, on-demand video modules

Learning analytics

Keep track of learning progress with our comprehensive data

Interactive learning

Engage with our video hotspots and knowledge check-ins

Testing & certification

Gain CPD / CPE credits and professional certification

Managed learning

Build, scale and manage your organisation’s learning

Integrations

Connect Sustainability Unlocked to your current platform

Featured Content

More featured content

The Scale of the Net Zero Challenge

The price of meeting net zero is estimated to be between $100-150 trillion over the next 30 years. Regardless of this cost, we need to reach net zero before climate change does irreversible damage to the environment and the economy.

ESG, Sustainability and Impact Jargon Buster

ESG, sustainability, impact… they all just mean green, right? Not quite. Despite being used often interchangeably, there are distinct differences between these terms.

More featured content

Book a demo

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How Greenwashing Is Regulated

How Greenwashing Is Regulated

Stuart Helmer

Avoid the pitfalls of greenwashing. Join Stuart Helmer and learn the relevant green claims regulation and the consequences of greenwashing.

Avoid the pitfalls of greenwashing. Join Stuart Helmer and learn the relevant green claims regulation and the consequences of greenwashing.

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How Greenwashing Is Regulated

14 mins 43 secs

Key learning objectives:

  • Define Greenwashing

  • Outline regulation regarding green claims

  • Understand the consequences of greenwashing

  • Define greenhushing

Overview:

Greenwashing refers to the practice of making exaggerated, misleading, or false claims about a company's environmental efforts or the sustainability of its products. Businesses typically do this to appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers. Regulators are increasingly focused on green claims because consumers and businesses are placing more importance on sustainability when making purchasing decisions. Companies caught making misleading environmental claims face several risks including reputational damage, legal and financial penalties and criminal charges in very extreme cases.

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Summary
What is greenwashing?  

Greenwashing refers to the practice of making exaggerated, misleading, or false claims about a company's environmental efforts or the sustainability of its products. Businesses typically do this to appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers. However, when these claims don’t align with reality, this can mislead the public and damage trust.

Why are regulators concerned with environmental claims?  

Regulators are increasingly focused on green claims because:  
  • Consumers and businesses are placing more importance on sustainability when making purchasing decisions  
  • Research suggests a significant proportion of green claims can be misleading 
  • Misleading environmental claims create an unfair advantage for businesses that overstate their efforts while disadvantaging responsible advertisers 

What are some examples of green claims regulation?

In the EU we have:
  • Unfair Commercial Practices Directive
  • Directive on Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition
  • Green Claims Directive (currently being debated)

In the UK we have:
  • Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act of 2024 (Part 4)
  • Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations of 2008 (due to be repealed in April 2025)
  • Business Protection from Misleading Marketing Regulations 2008

What are the consequences of greenwashing?  

Companies caught making misleading environmental claims face several risks including reputational damage, legal and financial penalties and criminal charges in very extreme cases.

What is greenhushing?

This is when businesses avoid talking about their environmental efforts altogether for fear of greenwashing accusations. Regulators encourage companies to continue making green claims but to do so transparently, acknowledging both their progress and areas for improvement.

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Stuart Helmer

Stuart Helmer

Stuart Helmer, UK Head of Advertising and Marketing at CMS in London, has 20 years of experience in advertising compliance and disputes. He advises businesses on making advertising claims, including environmental claims, in compliance with English law and regulation. He leads multinational teams advising on these issues throughout Europe and beyond. Stuart also advises on advertising disputes, regulatory enquiries, and dealing with competitors with unfair or misleading advertising.

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