Unmasking greenwashing: Harnessing AI for transparency in the fossil fuel sector
HKUST IEMS Thought Leadership Brief No. 93
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The fossil fuel-based energy sector significantly contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions, yet it continues to dominate energy generation, raising concerns about its environmental impact. Moreover, greenwashing practices within the fossil fuel industry mislead consumers and investors regarding true environmental responsibility. While integrating artificial intelligence (AI) presents potential solutions for detecting greenwashing, several challenges remain, including data availability and the complexity of environmental claims. Therefore, a comprehensive approach to developing AI tools for greenwashing detection is essential, incorporating diverse datasets and human oversight.
About the author
Laurence L. Delina is an Assistant Professor of Environment and Sustainability at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. He specializes in sustainable development, with a focus on rapid climate change mitigation, accelerating sustainable and equitable energy transitions, and enhancing the adaptation and resilience of vulnerable populations to climate extremes. Laurence has authored over fifty peer-reviewed journal articles and four books on these subjects. He serves as an associate editor for several journals, including Energy Research & Social Science, PLOS Climate, and the Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences. Additionally, he has worked as a consultant on energy and climate issues for organizations such as the United Nations, Oxfam, and Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung. Laurence has also been a Rachel Carson Fellow and a Visiting Fellow
at Harvard Kennedy School. He earned his PhD from the University of New South Wales Sydney.
Felice Janice Olivia Boedijanto is a final-year student enrolled in the Bachelor of Science program in Environmental Management and Technology at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
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