What can we actually do, as individuals, to fight climate change? And will any of it make a difference?

The conversation around the climate crisis has never been louder. This is a good thing, but it’s also making it increasingly difficult for us to get a feeling for what’s greenwashing and what is actually effective in addressing the crisis. 

To help cut through the noise, here’s a few things that you can do to help fight climate change:

1. Do the small stuff, it adds up. 

From riding your bike to work instead of driving, to reducing the amount of meat you eat per week, to recycling your waste at home — every little thing you do does matter. 

Lund University ranked the personal lifestyle changes with the biggest impact on climate change. They found that if you want to make a difference, the best things you can do are: eat a plant-based diet, avoid air travel, and live car-free. 

These aren’t strict rules, but rather recommendations that you can adopt based on what makes sense and is feasible for you. The world works in a certain way — and while we are trying to change it, we are also living in it, after all. 

2. Don’t carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. 

The truth is the climate crisis is a result of the actions of big corporations, as well as governments. While we, as individuals, can take steps and play our part in fighting climate change, it is important to remember this. 

It suits polluting corporations to try to pin the blame on individuals, ultimately because it helps downplay their own role and takes the spotlight off their inaction. 

You probably know about the concept of measuring and reducing your carbon footprint. But did you know it’s a term coined by fossil fuel company BP in 2005?

So whilst you have a duty to do what you can, remember to also take care of yourself. It’s the only way we can truly fight the crisis.

3. Ask questions.

It’s so easy to get caught up in greenwashing. Nowadays, most brands and companies are very vocal about their climate efforts. These efforts, however, will often include things like: 

  • Clothing lines made out of recycled polyester from plastic bottles
  • Net zero claims due to carbon offsetting schemes
  • Companies doing beach clean up initiatives while relying on fossil fuels for their supply chains
  • Fashion brands creating resale programmes while not reducing the volume of clothing they are producing
  • Brands using recycled packaging while using mixed plastic materials for their products — which are not recyclable

And so many more. 

As a consumer, you have a great deal of power. When a brand or company makes sustainability claims, you may not be able to control whether they are greenwashing or being truthful — but you can ask questions. Hop on TikTok, Instagram or Twitter and ask the company to explain itself. Generally, companies (like most of us) tend to behave better when they are being watched. Even if you’re not an expert, you can use your consumer power and scrutinise. 

Better still: if you have the time, read up. Greenwashing can be complex and the methods companies use today to persuade us that they are taking climate action are getting increasingly sophisticated. A good place to start is by reading the NewClimate Institute’s Corporate Climate Responsibility Monitor, which assesses the transparency and integrity of 24 major companies across different industries. 

4. Engage. And if you’re able to, vote. 

Politics may well get on your nerves, but voting for politicians with the strongest environmental policies — and those who reject polluter lobbying — is one of the best ways to ensure we’re on the right track. As citizens we should ask questions, turn up the pressure, and engage.

But it’s not just about voting. If you can, write to your local politician. Pay them a visit in their office. Speak with them when they’re visiting the local school for a photo shoot. 

Big companies knock on their doors every day — let’s make sure we do the same.

5. Create some change from within. 

Your school, workplace and community are places where you can have a meaningful impact. Engage in conversations with your family, friends and peers – and, if you’re in a position where you feel comfortable and safe doing so, your employer. 

As we keep saying, changing the way corporations and institutions behave is the key to tackling climate change. And as an employee you have the power to potentially influence the way your company behaves. 

How? Work For Climate has some great resources on this topic. But, as any big or meaningful task, it starts with asking questions. Ask your boss about your company’s climate policy. Ask if they have Net Zero targets. Ask about their energy suppliers, and whether they use renewable energy. If your company manufactures products, ask about their supply chain — is it powered by fossil fuels? How do they regulate and measure its impact on the environment? 

6. Join an organisation that can create change. 

Nobody can change the world alone. That’s why Action Speaks Louder exists: to use our collective power to create systemic change. And we have already done so. 

We sent nearly 9,000 emails to Hyundai to stop them from building a new Liquified Natural Gas plant in South Korea — and they did. We sent over 14,000 emails to Samsung executives to persuade them to switch over to renewable energy in their supply chain — and they did.

The power of the collective does work. Which is why the last effective way to fight climate change is to join a climate organisation by signing petitions, contacting company executives, and taking action on campaigns. 

Action Speaks Louder’s plan is to create public and regulatory pressure to push companies to live up to their own climate change promises – specifically in taking solid steps such as committing to 100% renewable energy. And in so doing, use these companies’ influence to unlock clean energy policies in some of the world’s most polluting countries. 

You can check out some of our campaigns here. 

So — ask questions, scrutinise, put pressure on governments, regulators and corporations. Vote. Read. And in the meantime, do the small everyday things that add up.

We already have the tools to fight this. Let’s get on it.

キヤノンの年次株主総会に合わせて、気候変動をテーマにした優秀作品をニューヨークのタイムズスクエアに掲示し、同社に対して公的な対応を求めます。

2023年2月15日　日本のテクノロジー企業であるキヤノンのシンクタンク、キヤノングローバル戦略研究所（CIGS）が広めている気候変動懐疑論に対する問題意識を高めるため、気候変動をテーマにした世界規模の写真コンテストが開始されました。

このコンテストは、気候変動を懸念する写真家と、グローバル企業の社会的責任を追求する団体「Action Speaks Louder」により開催され、キャッチフレーズとして「#CamerasDontLie」を掲げています。これは、キヤノンのシンクタンクの研究主幹であり、政策決定に影響力がある審議会のメンバーでもある杉山大志氏が、気候非常事態を「フェイクニュース」と呼び、中高生を対象とした本など気候科学に疑問を呈する書籍を出版したことに対応するものです。

研究主幹の発言は、キヤノンがクリーンエネルギーへのコミットメントに出遅れたことと一致しています。ソニー、リコー、富士フイルム、ニコン、パナソニックなどの同業他社が再生可能エネルギー100％を約束しているのに対し、キヤノンは4.85％の再生可能エネルギー目標しか約束していません。2022年末のTransition Asiaの報告書でも、キヤノンが排出量削減目標を事実上半減させていることが明らかにされています。

この写真コンテストは一般に公開され、Celina Chien氏、Hisham Akira Bharoocha氏、石川直樹氏など、影響力のある写真家、アーティスト、活動家が審査員として参加します。また、「#CamerasDontLie」の最優秀賞受賞作は、2023年3月下旬に予定されているキヤノンの年次株主総会に先立ち、ニューヨークのタイムズスクエアのビルボード広告でも披露される予定です。

Action Speaks Louderは、キヤノンに対し、CIGSの反科学的かつ化石燃料を支持する見解を決して擁護しない旨の公式声明を発表するよう要求しています。また、キヤノンに対し、再生可能エネルギー100％にコミットし、日本における迅速なエネルギー転換の実現に向けた政策提言をするよう求めています。

「キヤノンは世界で最も影響力のあるブランドの1つであり、真の気候変動対策を促進する力を有しています。しかし、キヤノンが気候変動懐疑論を推進し、クリーンエネルギーに関するひどい記録を残しているという現実は、顧客に衝撃を与えるでしょう。このコンテストは、世界中の写真家の創造力を活かし、キヤノンが自称している持続可能な企業であるよう求めることを目的としています。」ジェームズ・ロレンツ｜Action Speaks Louder エグゼクティブ・ディレクター

「気候変動を否定し、気候科学に関する不正確な情報を広めることは、この地球上で私たちが共に生きる未来を破壊することと同じです。キヤノンは、企業として、またグローバルブランドとして、大きな責任を負っています。キヤノンは、歴史の間違った側に名を残すことを望んでいるのでしょうか。環境に関する誤った情報発信へのサポートをやめ、変化をもたらすストーリーテリングの媒体となってください。」セリーナ・チエン｜Cameras Don’t Lie 審査員／フォトジャーナリスト、俳優

「気候変動問題をめぐる『科学論争にみえるもの』のかなりの部分は、行動の先送りを目的としたものです。持続可能な未来を目指す企業は、企業のコアバリューを損なう作為的な論争から距離を置くべきでしょう。」 江守 正多｜東京大学 未来ビジョン研究センター 教授／国立環境研究所 上級主席研究員

「キヤノンは杉山氏のミスインフォメーションを看過することで、自社の評判を落としてしまっている。彼を止めることで、顧客からの信頼を取り戻すことができるだろう。」明日香壽川｜東北大学 東北アジア研究センター・同大学院環境科学研究科教授

同写真コンテストは現在開催中で、コンテストのウェブサイトhttps://speakslouder.org/campaign/cameras-dont-lie/jp/ から応募することができます。応募の締め切りは、2月28日 23:59（日本時間）です。

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Action Speaks Louderについて

ウェブサイト: https://speakslouder.org/

Cameras Don’t Lie写真コンテスト: https://speakslouder.org/campaign/cameras-dont-lie/jp/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/action.speaks.louder/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ActSpeaksLouder

Transition Asia レポート

Coinciding with annual Canon shareholder meeting, the winning climate change-themed image will be displayed in Times Square, New York City, to pressure camera company into public response

Wednesday 15 February 2023: ​​A global climate change-themed photography competition has launched to raise awareness of the climate denial being spread by Japanese technology company Canon’s think tank, the Canon Institute for Global Studies (CIGS).

Climate-concerned photographers and corporate accountability group Action Speaks Louder are launching the competition with the tagline #CamerasDontLie. This is in response to Canon think tank’s research director ​​Taishi Sugiyama — who has sat on influential Japanese government task forces — labelling the climate crisis as ‘fake news’ and publishing books questioning climate science, including one targeted at Japanese school children.

The CIGS’ comments align with Canon’s failure to commit to clean energy. Canon has only committed to a 4.85% renewable energy target, while its peers such as Sony, Ricoh, Fujifilm, Nikon and Panasonic have committed to 100% renewable electricity. A Transition Asia report from late 2022 also revealed Canon has effectively halved its emissions reduction target.

The photography competition is open to the general public; it features an international judging panel consisting of influential photographers, artists and activists such as Celina Chien, Hisham Akira Bharoocha, Naoki Ishikawa and more. The winning #CamerasDontLie image will be displayed as advertising in Times Square, New York City, ahead of Canon’s annual shareholder meeting in late March 2023.

Action Speaks Louder is calling on Canon to issue a public statement that it in no way endorses the anti-science and pro-fossil fuel views of CIGS. The group is also demanding Canon commit to 100% renewable electricity and advocate for the rapid energy transition in Japan.

“Canon is one of the world’s most influential brands and has the capacity to catalyse real climate action. But the reality of Canon’s promotion of climate denial coupled with its appalling record on clean energy would shock its customers. This competition aims to harness the creativity of photographers around the world to challenge Canon to be the sustainable company it markets itself as.” Action Speaks Louder, Executive Director, James Lorenz

“Supporting an institution linked to climate change denial and the spread of inaccurate information regarding climate science is tantamount to sabotaging our collective habitable future on this planet. Canon has an enormous responsibility as a company in its own operations and as a global brand. Does Canon want its legacy to be on the wrong side of history? Stop supporting environmental misinformation and be the medium of change-making storytelling.” Cameras Don’t Lie judge and award-winning photojournalist and actor, Celina Chien

“A significant portion of ‘what appears to be a scientific controversy’ over the climate crisis is intended to delay action. A company that aims for a sustainable future should keep a distance from such a manufactured controversy, which would undermine its core value.” Seita Emori, Professor, Institute for Future Initiatives, the University of Tokyo/Senior Principal Researcher,  National Institute for Environmental Studies 

“Canon is putting its reputation at risk by allowing Sugiyama’s misinformation. They can regain trust from their customers by stopping him.” Jusen Asuka, Professor, Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University

The photography competition is live, and entries can be submitted via the competition page https://speakslouder.org/camerasdontlie. The deadline for entries is 23:59 on 28th February Japan Standard Time.

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About Action Speaks Louder

Action Speaks Louder holds big companies accountable for their climate change promises. Scientists agree the climate crisis is hurting us now, not just tomorrow. Burning fossil fuels is causing this crisis.

From extreme weather to food shortages and deaths from air pollution, the impacts of global warming on our health and the planet are devastating. Our future and our children’s future are at stake. Every action we take now to cut the use of fossil fuels makes a difference.

Most big companies are already promising to stop causing climate change. That’s because ‘sustainability’ is a popular selling point for their customers, staff and investors. But the gap between what they say and what they do is often vast. At Action Speaks Louder, our campaigners identify the companies which can make the greatest impact. When these companies stop using fossil fuels and stop blocking the transition to clean energy, the payoff spans the planet.

Website: https://speakslouder.org/

Competition page: https://speakslouder.org/camerasdontlie 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/action.speaks.louder/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ActSpeaksLouder

Transition Asia Reports

Tuesday 29 November, 2022: Corporate accountability group Action Speaks Louder is calling on Canon Inc to clarify reports indicating it has cut its emission target by more than 50%.

The demand comes in the wake of an analysis by Transition Asia revealing Canon’s new 2030 emissions reduction target has been lowered from its original 50% commitment, to approximately 23% comparative emissions reduction. 

“Canon needs to urgently clarify whether it is trying to retreat from its climate policy,” said Action Speaks Louder Executive Director James Lorenz.

Such a policy reverse would be almost unprecedented in a corporate world which continues to ratchet up climate ambition. It would be a slap in the face to Canon’s staff, investors and customers which have bought into the company’s promise of environmental leadership. 

The decision would put Canon at odds with the vast majority of the business world which continues to increase climate ambition to match consumer expectation, and also to take advantage of the decreasing cost of renewable energy. Fujifilm retains a 2030 emission reduction target of 50%, with Kyocera at 46% – double that of Canon.

In addition, in February this year, Action Speaks Louder revealed Canon’s think tank, The Canon Institute for Global Studies, is a platform for climate denial, with one Research Director, Taishi Sugiyama labeling the climate emergency ‘fake news’ and accusing Greta Thunberg of communism.

Moreover, Canon’s leadership has come under fire from investors on other issues such as diversity. At its 2022 AGM, 25% of shareholders, including the world’s largest asset manager Blackrock, voted against the re-election of Canon CEO Fujio Mitarai – a revolt almost unheard of in the corporate landscape in Japan. As a rationale for its vote against Mr Mitarai, BMO Asset Management stated, ‘the Board lacks sufficient diversity to meet our expectations.” 

“Canon’s leadership is drawing attention to itself for all the wrong reasons. In order to avoid a further erosion of its credibility, Canon must live up to the standards it purports to set for itself and maintain a climate target based on science rather than fiction,” said Lorenz.

Action Speaks Louder is calling on Canon Inc to:

  • End its support for climate denial through the Canon Institute for Global Studies;
  • Commit to 2030 absolute emissions reduction target that is at least equivalent to 45% from 2010 (excluding offsets);
  • Commit to 100% renewable energy with at least 60% RE by 2030 and secure captive and PPA;
  • Develop and implement a 1.5°C-aligned climate policy engagement plan that includes active engagement on key 1.5°C-relevant regulation and RE policy, especially in Japan.

For more information contact James Lorenz at james@speakslouder.org or +61 (0) 400 376 021

The first studies linking fossil fuels to global warming are over 120 years old. The fossil fuel lobby became well aware of the scale of the problem 50 years ago. Fast-forward to today, when we are in the midst of a climate crisis, not only do fossil fuels remain a mainstay in the global energy mix, but their share is growing along with renewable energy in the Philippines.

Despite the increased frequency and severity of floods, droughts, heatwaves, storms and marine life degradation – climate science is still being ignored. The Philippines is a prime example of how one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change impacts, is also one that continues to build its economy around fossil fuels.

Environmental issues plaguing the Philippines

Over 500,000 tons of plastic waste wash out through Manilla Bay every year. Furthermore, big brands have an ongoing practice of dumping and burning plastic waste in the country.

Between 2001 and 2021, the Philippines lost 1.34Mha of tree cover, or about a 7.2% decrease in tree cover since 2000. It is among the countries that have seen the biggest deforestation in the past 40 years.

These environmental crises alone are enough to touch the nerve of young Filipinos, who are witnessing their country’s environment crumble from the front row.

However, on top of plastic pollution and deforestation, the Philippines is now facing what could be a potential existential climate crisis. Companies like San Miguel Corporation (SMC), enabled by local government policies, are further exacerbating the situation through massive LNG expansion projects.

Philippines LNG expansion plans – adding fuel to the climate change fire

The Philippines’ Climate Change Commission says it “acknowledges the need for climate justice.” It warns that climate change is “eroding hard-earned socio-economic gains” and estimates that it will cause a 6% annual GDP loss by 2100. Yet, the country considers natural gas, an extremely potent polluter, as a way out of its growing energy crisis. In reality, the fossil fuel is similar to a wrecking ball, rapidly swinging toward the country’s economy and environment.

By 2040, LNG will account for 40% of the country’s energy mix, up from 22% in 2020. The Philippines has the second-largest planned gas expansion in Southeast Asia, with 29.9 GW in development, including 27 gas power plants and 9 LNG terminals.

But the planned expansion could become a financial suicide – one that future generations will have to bear the brunt of. The new gas capacity poses a USD 14 billion risk in stranded assets, while just 29% of the new gas projects in the country are viable. It is also a guaranteed way to ensure a future of energy instability, unreliable supplies and geopolitical risk – as seen in Europe, in light of the Russia-Ukraine war. The volatile prices of natural gas on global markets will not help the Philippines, home to some of the highest electricity prices in Southeast Asia.

However, all these risks start fading away once we shine the spotlight on what LNG expansion projects can do to the climate and environment.

The Philippines is bouncing between the first and fourth position among the most vulnerable countries to climate change. Between 2000 and 2019, it experienced 317 weather-related events, the highest result globally. Greenpeace notes that it will only worsen, as global temperatures continue to rise.

Global Climate Risk Map Ranking from 2000 to 2019, Source - Germanwatch

Global Climate Risk Map Ranking from 2000 to 2019, Source: Germanwatch

Filipinos’ livelihoods, quality of life and health at threat

The Philippines is at risk of unprecedented compound extreme events where multiple disasters coincide or occur one after another, increasing in severity. One potential example is heatwaves during a drought that can amplify the risk of forest fires, agricultural damages and biodiversity losses. Ecosystems on approximately 1 million hectares of grasslands in the Philippines are highly vulnerable to climate change. Farming is also at risk, with grain yields constantly decreasing. For example, the El Niño-associated drought during 2015–2016 affected over 413,000 Filipino farmers and sparked violent protests.

The Philippines is the 8th biggest fishing nation globally, with a yearly haul of about USD 2.5 billion. However, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), by the
2051–2060 period, the maximum fish catch in the country will decrease by as much as 50% compared to that of 2001–2010. Due to rising sea surface temperatures, the Philippines is at risk of a 9% decline in fisheries GDP.

Similar to heatwaves in other countries, rising temperatures will also impact working hours and productivity in the Philippines. Such events also risk unfolding a boom in diseases, including dengue, typhoid, malaria and cholera – a situation that the Philippines has experienced in the past.

According to a study by the World Resources Institute, the country is also likely to experience a “high degree” of water shortage by 2040.

Water Stress by Country 2040, Source - World Resource Institute

Water Stress by Country: 2040, Source: World Resources Institute

Coastal areas and marine life damaged 

Sea level rise in the Philippines is faster than the global average. Since 1901, it has risen 60 cm or over three times the global average of 19 cm, putting 64 coastal provinces and 13.6 million Filipinos at risk. Manila Bay is one of the most affected areas, with an 80 cm sea level rise from 1947 to 2012. Without additional climate action, it will rise by a further 50 cm by 2050 and
1.33 m by 2100.

Projected Sea Level Under Climate Central's Worst-Case Scenario, Source - Climate Central

Projected Sea Level Under Climate Central’s Worst-Case Scenario, Source: Climate Central

The rising sea level risks inducing higher storm surges caused by intense typhoons that, given the country’s archipelagic structure, can be devastating to coastal communities and their livelihoods. Furthermore, it can cause coastal erosion, shoreline retreat, wetland flooding, saltwater intrusion and habitat loss for fish, birds and plants.

In addition, climate change is projected to kill 98% of the corals in Southeast Asia by 2050. Between 2009 and 2010, El Niño caused a colossal bleaching event that killed up to 95% of corals in the Philippines.

San Miguel Corporation – the engine behind fossil fuel expansion in the Philippines and region

SMC Global Power, the power unit of SMC, has over 14 GW gas projects in the pipeline in Batangas, Negros Occidental, Metro Manila, Zamboanga and Leyte. Most of them are in coastal areas, including in Verde Island Passage – an area providing food to over 2 million people and a center of global shore-fish biodiversity, home to 60% of all known shore fish species and 400 coral species.

Location of Existing and Proposed Fossil Gas Plans and LNG Terminals Along the Coast and In the Waters of Batangas Bay, Source: CEED

Location of Existing and Proposed Fossil Gas Plans and LNG Terminals Along the Coast and In the Waters of Batangas Bay, Source: CEED Philippines

Scientific studies reveal that LNG projects in such areas pose various threats to marine life and the environment. The projects further disturb the already dwindling coral cover, contaminate soil and water with toxic metals and make the affected areas unfit for fishing, while damaging marine life and more. Proofs of such implications already exist in waters around existing LNG plants in the coastal regions of the Philippines.

Top Post-Paris Developers of Gas-Fired Power Plants in Southeast Asia by Capacity, Source - CEED Philippines

Top Post-Paris Developers of Gas-Fired Power Plants in Southeast Asia by Capacity, Source: CEED Philippines

Over the years, SMC has mastered the art of public deception by aggressively pushing an agenda that it is acting in the best interest of Filipinos. A prime example is its focus on sustainability, reflected also in its slogan – “Sustaining the Filipino.” Southeast Asia’s biggest fossil gas plant developer has also labeled itself as “sustainability champions” and asserts that it has “gone well beyond mitigating the problems of climate change.” The company claims its core value is “malasakit” which it describes as a “unique Filipino value of helping others without being prodded and without expecting anything in return.” It even claims to be doing better for the environment by “taking direct action to help” the cities, waters and forests in the Philippines.

Filipinos rise up – the fight against fossil fuel expansion

SMC proudly states that it builds “a better world by creating a better future for the next generation.” However, instead of making such bold claims, it would be better to let young Filipinos be the judge of that. Because, clearly, they have something to say.

Youth organizations and climate communities from all over the Philippines, including San Carlos and Negros, are already opposing LNG projects. Earlier this year, fisherfolk communities, organizations and environmentalists in Batangas conducted a fluvial demonstration, protesting against the risks the LNG projects in Verde Island Passage pose to marine life and livelihoods.

SMC states that it is “always first to respond during times of crisis.” While this is admirable, a significantly better approach would be to not fuel the crisis in the first place – something that should come naturally to “sustainability champions.”

Samsung’s Sustainability Efforts and Promises: The Galaxy is Costing the Earth

Four years ago, in June 2018, Samsung Electronics, one of the tech giants, grabbed headlines by announcing that it would go 100% renewable energy. Indeed, its facilities in the U.S., Europe and China have achieved the goal as promised, but these countries account for only 20% of the Galaxy makers’ total electricity consumption. In contrast, Samsung’s efforts to expand renewable energy in its operations and supply chains in South Korea and Vietnam, which account for the remaining 80%, have been almost non-existent. 

Carbon Emissions of Samsung and Dreaming about becoming Carbon Neutral

Due to this lack of action, Samsung Electronics’ greenhouse gas emissions have continued to increase. In 2020 alone, Samsung Electronics emitted 29,532 tonnes of carbon dioxide — a figure that puts the total greenhouse gas emissions of Samsung on par with the entire country of Norway. That isn’t good for the environment and the world.

Samsung – The Top Power Consuming Company

Within South Korea, Samsung continues to be the top power-consuming company on the fossil fuel-heavy state energy grid. Samsung, more than the other brands, undoubtedly has the resources to break away from this reliance on fossil energy and reportedly wants to be able to purchase power from independent renewable energy generators, bypassing state energy companies that have been reluctant to transition away from coal. Still, Samsung has yet to announce a short-term or long-term plan on how and when it will actually do this. 

Samsung’s Eco-friendly Products – Just Greenwashing

In diverting attention away from its inaction over the past four years, Samsung developed the catchphrase “Galaxy for the Planet.” This is nothing but greenwashing as they are still costing the Earth. 

Technology, Technology, Technology

This June 14th, we celebrated 4th Samsung Greenwashing Day, just like Earth day. Judging from the recent remarks by Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Jae-yong Lee after his 12-day trip to Europe, we might have to celebrate Samsung’s 5th anniversary next year. 

He underscored the importance of keeping up with cutting-edge technology, saying that the first, the second and the third priorities are all technology. After an 8-hour discussion at an ’emergency meeting’ of Samsung Electronics’ presidents held the very next day upon his arrival to Seoul, they concluded that they would  “secure global technology leadership and pioneer the future market.” 

Technology is understandably important to Samsung, but it remains unclear if by “technology leadership”, Samsung also means using technology that will make the transition to using 100% renewable energy globally possible. As a global company, Samsung must become a global climate leader. As it stands, Samsung has already fallen behind its peers, such as Google, Apple and TSMC, as well as Korean conglomerates, including SK, LG, and Hyundai, when it comes to decarbonisation.

2023 Should Mark the First Anniversary of a True Renewable Energy Transition

The largest net profit company in Asia. The world’s No. 1 company in the market share of major electronic products such as DRAM, OLED and smartphones. 

Is greenwashing what consumers expect from such a company? Can we really say that Samsung Electronics is fulfilling its responsibility for a sustainable future for humanity?

Last year, we showcased the Samsung Squid Game in Glasgow, England, while COP26 was in full swing, and this year we are celebrating the 4th anniversary of Samsung Electronics’ Greenwash Day. 

There have been reports that Samsung Electronics will make a groundbreaking declaration on the transition to renewable energy, but we, consumers and investors, are still waiting. Four years has been long enough; Samsung needs to live up to its promises and truly implement a plan to use 100% renewable energy globally — including in South Korea and Vietnam. If inaction continues, Samsung will become a global company known for turning a blind eye to the climate crisis rather than a global technology leader. 

Vice-Chairman Lee Jae-yong, we are waiting for you and Samsung Electronics to take real action.