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Concept, Developments, and Consequences of Greenwashing

Author

Listed:
  • Grzegorz Zych
  • Borys Budka
  • Marzena Czarnecka
  • Grzegorz Kinelski
  • Magdalena Wojcik-Jurkiewicz

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Grzegorz Zych & Borys Budka & Marzena Czarnecka & Grzegorz Kinelski & Magdalena Wojcik-Jurkiewicz, 2021. "Concept, Developments, and Consequences of Greenwashing," European Research Studies Journal, European Research Studies Journal, vol. 0(4B), pages 914-922.
    • Handle: RePEc:ers:journl:v:xxiv:y:2021:i:4b:p:914-922
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kent Walker & Fang Wan, 2012. "The Harm of Symbolic Actions and Green-Washing: Corporate Actions and Communications on Environmental Performance and Their Financial Implications," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 109(2), pages 227-242, August.
    2. Grzegorz Kinelski & Jakub Stęchły & Adrian Sienicki & Kai Czornik & Piotr Borkowski, 2021. "Application of Smart Technologies in Metropolis GZM to Reduce Harmful Emissions in District Heating Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-11, November.
    3. Eun-Hee Kim & Thomas P. Lyon, 2015. "Greenwash vs. Brownwash: Exaggeration and Undue Modesty in Corporate Sustainability Disclosure," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 26(3), pages 705-723, June.
    4. Yu-Shan Chen & Ching-Hsun Chang, 2013. "Greenwash and Green Trust: The Mediation Effects of Green Consumer Confusion and Green Perceived Risk," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 114(3), pages 489-500, May.
    5. Wojciech Drożdż & Grzegorz Kinelski & Marzena Czarnecka & Magdalena Wójcik-Jurkiewicz & Anna Maroušková & Grzegorz Zych, 2021. "Determinants of Decarbonization—How to Realize Sustainable and Low Carbon Cities?," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-19, May.
    6. Magdalena Wojcik-Jurkiewicz & Aleksandra Lubicz-Posochowska & Marzena Czarnecka & Grzegorz Kinelski & Beata Sadowska, 2021. "Legal Aspects of Sharing Economy: The Case of Games’ Platforms," European Research Studies Journal, European Research Studies Journal, vol. 0(Special 1), pages 1196-1210.
    7. Thomas P. Lyon & John W. Maxwell, 2011. "Greenwash: Corporate Environmental Disclosure under Threat of Audit," Journal of Economics & Management Strategy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 20(1), pages 3-41, March.
    8. Krzysztof Zamasz & Radosław Kapłan & Przemysław Kaszyński & Piotr W. Saługa, 2020. "An Analysis of Support Mechanisms for New CHPs: The Case of Poland," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-18, October.
    9. Xingqiang Du, 2015. "How the Market Values Greenwashing? Evidence from China," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 128(3), pages 547-574, May.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Greenwashing; external actors; “cascading greenwashing”; climate policy;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F62 - International Economics - - Economic Impacts of Globalization - - - Macroeconomic Impacts
    • K33 - Law and Economics - - Other Substantive Areas of Law - - - International Law
    • M21 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Economics - - - Business Economics

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