Greenpeace is taking legal action over climate misrepresentations. 

Environmental organisation Greenpeace has filed a lawsuit against energy giant Woodside, accusing the company of providing misleading information regarding its climate performance and net-zero targets.

In the case initiated in the Federal Court, Greenpeace has alleged two key misrepresentations by Woodside Energy. 

Firstly, they claim that Woodside falsely reported an 11 per cent reduction in pollution from gas and oil extraction and processing in 2022, asserting that the reduction relied heavily on carbon offsets while actual emissions increased by more than 3 per cent.

Secondly, Greenpeace argues that Woodside's net-zero by 2050 target does not encompass emissions produced when its oil and gas products are burned, a crucial omission that the company has not adequately disclosed to the public.

Katrina Bullock, General Counsel for Greenpeace Australia Pacific, has characterised Woodside's actions as ‘greenwashing’ - an effort to create a false perception of emissions reduction. 

Greenpeace Australia CEO David Ritter stated that Woodside's actions amounted to treating the public and shareholders “like mugs”. 

He said the case could set a new standard for accountability in the gas and oil industry regarding climate damage.

Woodside has indicated its intent to “vigorously defend” against these claims, asserting that they are without merit. 

The company claimed it is committed to providing accurate information in its reports and fulfilling its obligations to stakeholders.

This legal action against Woodside is part of a broader trend of increased scrutiny of corporations for greenwashing, as regulators, including the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), take action against companies allegedly misleading consumers and investors.

If Greenpeace's case succeeds, it could contribute to greater transparency in climate disclosures and compel fossil fuel companies to be more forthright about the environmental impact of their operations.