Are We Seeing a New Trend in “Greenslapping”?

Recently, the term “greenwashing” has become quite familiar. It refers to the practice of making exaggerated or false claims about the environmental benefits of a product or service. However, now there seems to be a new trend emerging – “greenslapping.” This term refers to a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP) taken by companies against individuals or groups who speak out on issues of public concern, particularly environmental issues.

A recent news story reported that TotalEnergies, a French oil company, has initiated legal proceedings against Greenpeace, accusing the organisation of making misleading claims about its carbon emissions. This move could potentially set a precedent for other major corporations to fight back against environmental advocacy and activism from pressure groups.

But is this adversarial approach helpful? How will it affect public opinion and the arenas of politics and financial markets? More importantly, is this a productive way to achieve the ultimate goal of achieving net zero and limiting climate change?

At Sensu Insight, we understand the importance of effective communication strategies in the area of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. We believe in building a positive and transparent reputation, rather than using legal threats as a tool to silence critics.

Our Greenwashing report highlights the importance of accurate and honest communication, rather than false claims or misleading information. We also offer a range of services to help businesses and organisations track audience perceptions and create effective ESG communication strategies.

While the trend of “greenslapping” is a concerning development, we believe that the best way to build a positive reputation and contribute to the fight against climate change is through transparency, accountability, and genuine efforts to reduce environmental impact.

To learn more about our ESG communication strategies and audience perception tracking, please visit our website and download our Greenwashing report.