Greenhushing

30 Oct 2024 12:00:39 pm

Tags : Greenhushing

Topic: Environment

Why in the news?

Survey shows 58 per cent of companies are intentionally decreasing their climate communications because of greater regulation and scrutiny.
These firms measure, reduce and offset their carbon emissions but often decide to stay silent about their efforts, an emerging global trend called “greenhushing”.

Source: Down To Earth

About Greenhushing:

It occurs when firms under report or strategically withhold information about their environmental goals and achievements.
Greenhushing firms don’t advertise their green credentials or deliberately remain silent about their future commitments to environmental sustainability.
It can happen for different reasons.
- In the US, where public companies can be sued for violating their obligation to increase shareholder profits, firms stay silent about their environmental efforts to avoid costly litigation.
- In conservative states that have experienced a strong ESG (environmental, social, and governance) backlash, regulators have turned their attention to sustainable investments, prompting firms to stop talking about their green efforts.
- Some firms don’t advertise their sustainable products because consumers associate \"green\" with lower quality.
- Some companies remain silent about their environmental commitments to avoid scrutiny.
- Banging the drum can invite outside attention and raise expectations of future commitments. When it comes to climate action, firms may decide to hide their climate goals to avoid scrutiny and questions about how to achieve them.