Concept, developments, and consequences of greenwashing

Abstract

PURPOSE: This paper aims to identify the problems arising from the relationship between greenwashing and the ambitious climate targets set by both Member States and the European Community as a whole. It is indisputable that climate change and its consequences need a firm response from states.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The authors use a literature review methodology consisting of a bibliographic analysis and an analysis of legal acts. The scientific argument concerns the study of the legal regulations' weaknesses based on a case study in the form of cases negotiated in international fora. The main objective of this research method was to identify the circumstances of legislative failure.

FINDINGS: The identification of problems and their analysis can assist regulators in updating their legislative processes and also open up a wider discussion on implementation problems for pro-climate solutions.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The practical implications of this article are enormous. First, it should be noted that law has not always kept pace with economical solutions, and in this particular case, there is no opportunity for clear legal rules that allow to surpass issues such as greenwashing.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The relationship between greenwashing, its qualified forms, and the implementation of legal solutions in the field of climate policy has not yet been the subject of extensive academic or economic-legal discussion.