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Can media attention reduce greenwashing? Insights from China’s polluting industries

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  • Xin Yun
  • Yang Hu

Abstract

Amid escalating global climate change, corporate environmental responsibility has garnered increasing attention, yet greenwashing practices threaten to erode public trust in corporate environmental claims. This study examines the impact of media oversight on corporate greenwashing behaviour, utilizing data from publicly listed firms in high-pollution industries in China spanning 2008–2021. The findings reveal that media scrutiny significantly curtails greenwashing, with its effectiveness influenced by industry monopolization and government subsidies. These insights provide empirical support for crafting targeted regulatory policies and guiding corporate environmental practices. Moreover, the findings highlight the potential of media oversight as a critical instrument for promoting corporate accountability while fostering sustainable economic growth. These insights underscore the pivotal role of media oversight as a complementary tool to traditional government interventions, especially in contexts with limited regulatory capacity.

Suggested Citation

  • Xin Yun & Yang Hu, 2026. "Can media attention reduce greenwashing? Insights from China’s polluting industries," Applied Economics Letters, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 33(13), pages 2375-2380, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:apeclt:v:33:y:2026:i:13:p:2375-2380
    DOI: 10.1080/13504851.2025.2472031
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