A tool called ClimateBert assessed whether companies are actually doing what they say they are doing when it comes to the environment, or whether it's just greenwashing. It didn't go very well.
What is greenwashing
The definition of greenwashing refers to misleading communication about a company's practices and environmental impact. False information and advertising made only to present an environmentally responsible public image. At a time when marketers have about three seconds to grab someone's attention, it's much easier to manipulate the truth, especially when it comes to praising sustainability efforts and green efforts. But while there are companies committed to making a real difference for people and the planet, many others embrace the environmental theme more in marketing than in actual practice. But how can we distinguish between greenwashing and true green initiatives? In this case, artificial intelligence has come into play.
ClimateBert is an artificial intelligence tool that deconstructs corporate statements, annual reports, statements and other materials to evaluate climate-related disclosure, and measure actual performance. It was created by the TCFD. It is a Task Force that provides companies with tools to more effectively disseminate climate-related performance. As this isn't easy, TCFD turned to natural language processing and neural networks for help. The huge volume of data, often made up of unclear words, represents a great challenge to be analyzed in a timely manner. With AI tools like ClimateBert, weeks of analysis can now be reduced to days.
What did ClimateBert discover?
Unfortunately, after evaluating more than 800 companies, ClimateBert gave a negative response. The AI has determined that there is a lot of talk, but the actual performance is lacking. Because? In the evaluation of TCFD, there are three main contributing factors. First, greenwashing has largely gotten out of control so far. And therefore there is no incentive for companies to change. Second place: the Paris agreements have, ironically, allowed companies to be more “selective” in what they want to disclose to limit the risk of the brand. ThirdlyWith the exception of France, corporate climate reporting is voluntary disclosure. This allows companies a lot, too much freedom as to what they would like to share.
This is why TCFD insists. We need to make the reports of companies on environmental commitment standardized and mandatory.
AI in search of greenwashing
Other organizations are also harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to discover greenwashing. Eg Ping an, an insurance and financial company based in China. Ping An leverages its Digital Economic Research Center and AI to assess corporate climate disclosure and detect greenwashing. Using natural language processing algorithms, the Digital Economic Research Center instead, it developed AI-based indicators to determine exposure to climate risk more precisely than traditional environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) metrics.
In summary, AI is more efficient in determining whether a business is truly eco-friendly or simply greenwashing.
Two basic problems remain
While these examples look promising, however, there are still two problems to address.
First, It takes good data to train artificial intelligence systems and give them something to analyze and review. Thanks to other emerging technologies such as i sensors IoT (to collect ESG data) and blockchain (to track transactions), we have the infrastructure to collect more data. By measuring real-time energy usage, transportation routes, manufacturing waste, and so on, greenwashing is flushed out first.
Second problem it is obviously applying the macro benefits to micro solutions. It is not enough to assess the environmental progress of companies on popular initiatives such as tree planting. Companies like Microsoft, Alibaba, American Express, and others are all engaged in programs to plant millions of trees. Sounds like a great idea until you start considering the impact it really has.
A mature tree offsets about 20 kilos (48 pounds) of CO2 per year. Good, isn't it? Most companies, however, do not take into account the time it takes to make it grow. The tree species also determines the amount of CO2 "captured". A mature maple tree it can offset about 226 kilos (500 pounds) of CO2 per year, while palm trees average only 2 kilos (15 pounds) per year. Companies need to understand how many trees, what type, in what position, etc. to accurately calculate the impact on CO2. This is obviously a process that costs businesses more money, resources and time. And therefore the thing is not done, or it is not done well.
Thankfully, AI is ideal for handling these tasks as well.
By detecting greenwashing, artificial intelligence helps us build truth and trust in business communication. And it can help companies show they are really doing something. If we can establish a data collection standard to educate her properly, artificial intelligence will help us build a more sustainable world for all.
