Allegations of Misleading Climate Claims
A settlement has been reached in a lawsuit by Greenpeace Australia Pacific against Woodside, a major player in the fossil fuel industry. In December 2023, Greenpeace filed the lawsuit, accusing Woodside of misrepresenting its emissions reduction efforts and targets for 2025, 2030, and 2050.
The environmental organisation claimed that Woodside’s emissions reduction targets were misleading, as the company relied heavily on offsets instead of making significant reductions in its scope 1 and 2 emissions. This did not align with the Paris Agreement’s climate goals, according to Greenpeace, as Woodside’s targets excluded scope 3 emissions, which make up over 90% of its emissions.
Expert evidence presented by Greenpeace supported the allegations, demonstrating how Woodside’s plans to expand oil and gas production could increase emissions beyond 2030. This evidence argued that Woodside’s claims were misleading or deceptive.
Changes in Woodside’s Climate Strategy
Following the lawsuit, Woodside changed its climate strategy presentation, removing a ‘Net zero by 2050 or sooner’ banner from its website around July 2025. Greenpeace interpreted this change as a success and plans to continue their environmental advocacy outside the courtroom.
Joe Rafalowicz, Head of Climate and Energy at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, remarked, “During the course of the case, Woodside changed how it was presenting its plans on carbon emissions from what they had said prior to us bringing this case. We take that as a win and have decided to continue the fight against fossil fuel corporations outside of the courts.”
Legal proceedings concluded with both parties agreeing to cover their own costs. Greenpeace emphasised the importance of public interest litigation for holding corporations accountable for their climate impact.
Woodside’s exclusion of scope 3 emissions in its reduction targets was a critical issue in the lawsuit. These emissions, which account for the majority of Woodside’s emissions, highlighted the company’s reliance on offsets rather than actual emission reductions.
Greenpeace remains committed to ensuring transparent and accurate climate disclosures. Despite the settlement, the organisation continues to advocate for accountability from fossil fuel companies like Woodside, whose activities are seen as exacerbating the climate crisis.
As a result of the lawsuit, Woodside’s approach to representing its climate strategy has changed, which Greenpeace sees as acknowledgment of the concerns raised. The organisation intends to keep challenging misleading claims to protect the environment.
Last updated: 22 April 2026, 3:34 pm
