On Wednesday, a local environmental organization accused Etihad of greenwashing and misled customers about its net zero intentions. Australia’s competition authority will review the allegation.
The Environmental Defenders Office filed a complaint with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) alleging “greenwashing” in Etihad ads misrepresenting flying’s environmental effect and the airline’s net zero emissions promise (EDO).
“We’ve pored through Etihad’s public documentation and found insufficient evidence that it wants, or reasonably expects, to attain net zero by 2050,” said EDO Senior Attorney Zoe Bush.
The ACCC told Reporters it would review the complaint but not discuss an investigation. However, a spokeswoman said the commission investigated “various issues concerning greenwashing” across businesses.
Etihad stated its goal of net zero emissions by 2050. A spokeswoman said a 2022 sustainability report would be available soon.
Australian and international environmental groups and regulators are taking action against deceptive climate commitments. This month, Australia’s business regulator sued Mercer Superannuation for exaggerating environmental investment claims.
In a Wednesday address, Commissioner Danielle Press said the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, which sued Mercer, is “actively monitoring” for greenwashing.
Flight Free Australia, which EDO represents in the case, alleges that Etihad’s “Flying shouldn’t cost the world” and “Net zero emissions by 2050” ads during a soccer game in Melbourne last month misled and deceived since the airline has no realistic route to net zero emissions.
