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title: The Climate Frontline - Real stories, insights, and hopeful news from the world of environmental policy
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The UK and EU are cracking down on green claims, introducing tighter scrutiny in the advertising sector.

| View in browser The Climate Frontline is a monthly newsletter that celebrates the people and policies making a difference in climate. It is brought to you by the Government Climate Campus, Apolitical's learning hub for connecting public servants with the tools and training they need to address the climate crisis. Every issue we bring you the freshest debates and updates in environmental policy to inform and inspire you. Go to the Government Climate Campus Regulating greenwashing: Cutting through the “sustainababble”   The UK and EU are cracking down on green claims, introducing tighter scrutiny in the advertising sector.   What does it mean to be “carbon neutral”? Or "nature positive"? Or “good for the planet”? That’s exactly what regulators are trying to find out – and standardise. In the UK, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has started taking action against companies making bold or vague environmental claims without backing them up. Shell, HSBC, and even plant-milk brand Alpro are some of the companies that have fallen foul of the ASA’s recent rules and had their ads banned. In the EU, the European Commission has laid out a Green Claims Directive, which requires companies to substantiate their environmental claims with scientific evidence and have them verified by third parties. Further, companies must ensure that this information is readily accessible, e.g. through QR codes on their products.   This tougher stance on green claims is also making waves in legal proceedings. Earlier this month, a landmark greenwashing lawsuit against airline company KLM was allowed to proceed to a full hearing by a Dutch court. The suit was brought by environmental group Fossielvrij Netherlands and argues that KLM's carbon offset marketing misleads consumers into thinking that flying can be sustainable (it cannot).    What do these regulations mean for your sector? How can we further improve the transparency and accountability of environmental claims? Join the conversation and connect with other public servants on Apolitical. Join the discussion 7,000,000 tonnes The amount of CO2 equivalent emissions the European Commission expects the Green Claims Directive to save over a 15-year period. Climate concept corner Breaking down the jargon   Sustainable development - The term was first popularised by the Brundtland Report (commissioned by the UN) in 1987. It defines sustainable development as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." Since then, the concept has pervaded nearly every international environmental agreement as well as culminated in the creation of the 17 SDGs. Some, however, view sustainable development as an oxymoron, arguing that it is difficult or even impossible to reconcile economic growth with the protection of the environment and future generations.  Climate champion of the month Celebrating inspiring individuals in our community of public servants James Cameron Friend of COP26 \| Former Chairman of Overseas Development Institute \| Senior Advisor at SYSTEMIQ and Pollination James is an award-winning climate advisor who has worked in both the private and public sector. A barrister by training, he has been a prominent figure in international environmental law and governance, having negotiated numerous climate change agreements (e.g. Kyoto Protocol) as well as represented the interests of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS). James was also a member of the UK Prime Minister’s Business Advisory Group under David Cameron.    Know a public servant who deserves to be featured for their work? Share their contact details with us!  Nominate a climate champion Recommended Extra reads and resources to help deepen your knowledge    🙋‍♀️ Course: Climate change and mental health (Pre-registration open!) - Apolitical   📝 Article: Keeping on keeping on in climate policy - Pip Sadler   🗓️ Event: How to effectively communicate about climate (Exclusive for US public servants) - Apolitical    🎧 Podcast: Prof. Tim Lenton, on planetary boundaries, early warning systems and climate tipping points - A Sustainable Future (Man Institute)   🖼️ Visualisation: Atmospheric carbon dioxide tagged by source - NASA   🧰 Tool: NDC-SDG connections - German Development Institute and Stockholm Environment Institute   📗 Book: Minding the Climate: How Neuroscience Can Help Solve Our Environmental Crisis - Ann-Christine Duhaime Government Climate Campus 50,000 public servants cutting emissions 50% by 2030   The Climate Frontline is a Government Climate Campus newsletter, part of an ambitious partnership by Apolitical to connect public servants with the tools and training they need to address the climate crisis.   We need your help. 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