Jack Barton
@jackbarton91.bsky.social
Journalist: human rights, sustainability, where they intersect.
Reposted by Jack Barton
Huge investigation out today helmed by @rebleber.bsky.social and @rebeccajohn.bsky.social revealing just how long ago industry knew gas would destroy the climate -- with tons of new details showing how they hid the facts and worked to promote gas as "clean." 👏👏
NEW: Big Oil and Gas created the myth that natural gas is "clean" — despite knowing the health and climate harms of methane decades earlier than previously reported.
A major CCI investigation exposes how the gas industry deceived the public and policymakers into believing gas is a climate solution.
A major CCI investigation exposes how the gas industry deceived the public and policymakers into believing gas is a climate solution.
The Fraud of “Clean” Natural Gas | Center for Climate Integrity
How Big Oil and Gas Created the Myth that Natural Gas is a Climate Solution
climateintegrity.org
July 20, 2026 at 2:39 PM
Huge investigation out today helmed by @rebleber.bsky.social and @rebeccajohn.bsky.social revealing just how long ago industry knew gas would destroy the climate -- with tons of new details showing how they hid the facts and worked to promote gas as "clean." 👏👏
Against the backdrop of deadly heatwaves, the European Commission continues the core work of its current term: reversing the accomplishments of the previous one.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
EU moves to water down carbon market rules
The European Commission today moved to weaken its Emissions Trading System, in highly anticipated changes that will provide greater flexibility to some businesses.
www.lexology.com
July 17, 2026 at 1:15 PM
Against the backdrop of deadly heatwaves, the European Commission continues the core work of its current term: reversing the accomplishments of the previous one.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
Reposted by Jack Barton
An important response from @ingmar.wsocial.eu of @wedonthavetime.wsocial.eu on the EU defining, uh, oil as sustainable.
Can expanding oil extraction be sustainable? The answer should be an obvious: hell, no. Unfortunately, not so for the EU council. If the EU parliament votes for this dilution, the EU loses the remainder of its credibility on wanting to fight climate change and shows how it bows to fossil capital.
EU Council Lets Oil Expansion Qualify For Sustainable Funds
Europe's proposed SFDR rules let expanding oil companies qualify as "green" investments, ignoring Scope 3, the bulk of their emissions.
www.forbes.com
July 6, 2026 at 1:13 PM
An important response from @ingmar.wsocial.eu of @wedonthavetime.wsocial.eu on the EU defining, uh, oil as sustainable.
From a review of annual reports only, here is how long some of the world's biggest companies kept their net zero commitments. For legal reasons I am told this is not greenwashing, so don't say it's greenwashing:
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
July 6, 2026 at 4:09 PM
From a review of annual reports only, here is how long some of the world's biggest companies kept their net zero commitments. For legal reasons I am told this is not greenwashing, so don't say it's greenwashing:
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
Can't wait to watch the World Cup Final (tbd at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in 2042)
July 6, 2026 at 3:57 PM
Can't wait to watch the World Cup Final (tbd at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in 2042)
The long-running campaign to ban ESG investing in the US stalled last week as two courts blocked anti-ESG laws from coming into effect.
Third decision to go that way since August.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
Third decision to go that way since August.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
US courts freeze anti-ESG investment laws
The long-running campaign to ban ESG investing in the US stalled last week as two courts blocked anti-ESG laws from coming into effect.
www.lexology.com
July 1, 2026 at 8:40 AM
The long-running campaign to ban ESG investing in the US stalled last week as two courts blocked anti-ESG laws from coming into effect.
Third decision to go that way since August.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
Third decision to go that way since August.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
Not to be a downer but the story behind this is more equivocating.
Gov't announced this in 2023 & when I queried with DEFRA a few months ago they couldn't confirm it was going ahead.
Effectively waited to make sure the EU wasn't going to backtrack on its own ban, which only became clear v recently.
Gov't announced this in 2023 & when I queried with DEFRA a few months ago they couldn't confirm it was going ahead.
Effectively waited to make sure the EU wasn't going to backtrack on its own ban, which only became clear v recently.
"UK businesses who trade in commodities sourced from rainforests such as soy, palm oil, cocoa and rubber will need to check that their supply chains are not contributing to illegal deforestation. These products are commonly found in everyday supermarket products" inc chocolate, shampoo and cosmetics
Government steps up action to tackle illegal deforestation
New rules will ensure everyday products sold in the UK including coffee and cocoa do not contribute to illegal deforestation around the world
www.gov.uk
June 26, 2026 at 10:04 AM
Not to be a downer but the story behind this is more equivocating.
Gov't announced this in 2023 & when I queried with DEFRA a few months ago they couldn't confirm it was going ahead.
Effectively waited to make sure the EU wasn't going to backtrack on its own ban, which only became clear v recently.
Gov't announced this in 2023 & when I queried with DEFRA a few months ago they couldn't confirm it was going ahead.
Effectively waited to make sure the EU wasn't going to backtrack on its own ban, which only became clear v recently.
Reposted by Jack Barton
🇫🇷 A French court has ordered oil and gas giant TotalEnergies to account for the emissions from the use of its products by clients, in a high-stakes climate case brought by NGOs and the city of Paris.
➡️ u.afp.com/SzCV
➡️ u.afp.com/SzCV
June 25, 2026 at 2:51 PM
🇫🇷 A French court has ordered oil and gas giant TotalEnergies to account for the emissions from the use of its products by clients, in a high-stakes climate case brought by NGOs and the city of Paris.
➡️ u.afp.com/SzCV
➡️ u.afp.com/SzCV
The ASA yesterday found UNIQLO, Calvin Klein and Adidas were greenwashing in promoted Google search results.
The regulator sets a very high bar for using broad green claims, which search results inevitably fail to meet.
2nd set of such findings in ~6 months
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
The regulator sets a very high bar for using broad green claims, which search results inevitably fail to meet.
2nd set of such findings in ~6 months
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
Uniqlo, Calvin Klein and Adidas under fire as UK regulator cracks down on greenwashing in Google search
Lawyers warn that under the UK’s strict interpretation of greenwashing rules it is not enough for green claims to be true or even certified – when the impression they give matters just as much.
www.lexology.com
June 25, 2026 at 9:53 AM
The ASA yesterday found UNIQLO, Calvin Klein and Adidas were greenwashing in promoted Google search results.
The regulator sets a very high bar for using broad green claims, which search results inevitably fail to meet.
2nd set of such findings in ~6 months
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
The regulator sets a very high bar for using broad green claims, which search results inevitably fail to meet.
2nd set of such findings in ~6 months
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
The EU's General Court has ruled that the production of *private jets* can be labelled as a green investment under the EU Taxonomy.
The court sided with a manufacturer. The European Commission has two months to appeal:
www.reuters.com/business/env...
The court sided with a manufacturer. The European Commission has two months to appeal:
www.reuters.com/business/env...
EU court says private jet manufacturing can be labelled green investment
The manufacture of private jets cannot be excluded from a list of activities deemed to be environmentally sustainable, the European Union's second-highest court said on Wednesday, annulling a decisi...
www.reuters.com
June 25, 2026 at 8:54 AM
The EU's General Court has ruled that the production of *private jets* can be labelled as a green investment under the EU Taxonomy.
The court sided with a manufacturer. The European Commission has two months to appeal:
www.reuters.com/business/env...
The court sided with a manufacturer. The European Commission has two months to appeal:
www.reuters.com/business/env...
Campaigners @uyghurcongress.bsky.social and @glanlaw.bsky.social tell me the NCA is yet to comply with a June 2024 Court of Appeal order for it to reconsider its decision not to investigate imports - despite “extensive” evidence of links to forced labour.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
Uyghur campaigners criticise “unacceptable” NCA failure to remake imports decision
The UK’s National Crime Agency is yet to decide whether to investigate imports linked to exploitation despite a June 2024 court order.
www.lexology.com
February 11, 2026 at 5:26 PM
Campaigners @uyghurcongress.bsky.social and @glanlaw.bsky.social tell me the NCA is yet to comply with a June 2024 Court of Appeal order for it to reconsider its decision not to investigate imports - despite “extensive” evidence of links to forced labour.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
Exclusive:
The EU was completely unprepared for landmark anti-deforestation rules to come into effect last year, and officials advised to delay them to protect against reputational damage, internal documents obtained by Lexology PRO reveal.
Free to view:
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
The EU was completely unprepared for landmark anti-deforestation rules to come into effect last year, and officials advised to delay them to protect against reputational damage, internal documents obtained by Lexology PRO reveal.
Free to view:
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
February 11, 2026 at 12:38 PM
Exclusive:
The EU was completely unprepared for landmark anti-deforestation rules to come into effect last year, and officials advised to delay them to protect against reputational damage, internal documents obtained by Lexology PRO reveal.
Free to view:
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
The EU was completely unprepared for landmark anti-deforestation rules to come into effect last year, and officials advised to delay them to protect against reputational damage, internal documents obtained by Lexology PRO reveal.
Free to view:
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
New |
Enforcement of the US modern slavery import ban has collapsed
New analysis shows both total detentions and accuracy of detentions under the UFLPA plummeted in late 2025.
The decline is not explained by a 27% fall in US-China trade due to tariffs.
Key stats...
Enforcement of the US modern slavery import ban has collapsed
New analysis shows both total detentions and accuracy of detentions under the UFLPA plummeted in late 2025.
The decline is not explained by a 27% fall in US-China trade due to tariffs.
Key stats...
January 27, 2026 at 12:16 PM
New |
Enforcement of the US modern slavery import ban has collapsed
New analysis shows both total detentions and accuracy of detentions under the UFLPA plummeted in late 2025.
The decline is not explained by a 27% fall in US-China trade due to tariffs.
Key stats...
Enforcement of the US modern slavery import ban has collapsed
New analysis shows both total detentions and accuracy of detentions under the UFLPA plummeted in late 2025.
The decline is not explained by a 27% fall in US-China trade due to tariffs.
Key stats...
BHP liable over “foreseeable” Mariana dam disaster
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
BHP liable over “foreseeable” Mariana dam disaster
The mining giant is strictly liable as a polluter under Brazilian law for a disastrous flood killed 19 people and led to the largest group claim in English legal history, a London court has found.
www.lexology.com
November 14, 2025 at 3:45 PM
BHP liable over “foreseeable” Mariana dam disaster
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
43 claimants from Pakistan are bringing action against RWE claiming climate damages linked to devastating 2022 floods.
They're supported by the legal team that brought a landmark but ultimately successful case against RWE on behalf of a Peruvian farmer. (1/2)
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
They're supported by the legal team that brought a landmark but ultimately successful case against RWE on behalf of a Peruvian farmer. (1/2)
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
Energy giant RWE faces fresh damages claim over contribution to climate change
After a German court found RWE could in theory be held liable for its contribution to climate change, lawyers hope to force the issue with a case that breaks fresh ground in the fast-developing field ...
www.lexology.com
October 29, 2025 at 2:18 PM
43 claimants from Pakistan are bringing action against RWE claiming climate damages linked to devastating 2022 floods.
They're supported by the legal team that brought a landmark but ultimately successful case against RWE on behalf of a Peruvian farmer. (1/2)
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
They're supported by the legal team that brought a landmark but ultimately successful case against RWE on behalf of a Peruvian farmer. (1/2)
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
ExxonMobil tries to shut down California’s climate reporting rules
The oil and gas giant has asked a court to block emissions reporting legislation that would bring California in line with similar requirements around the world.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
The oil and gas giant has asked a court to block emissions reporting legislation that would bring California in line with similar requirements around the world.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
ExxonMobil tries to shut down California’s climate reporting rules
The oil and gas giant has asked a court to block emissions reporting legislation that would bring California in line with similar requirements around the world.
www.lexology.com
October 29, 2025 at 2:09 PM
ExxonMobil tries to shut down California’s climate reporting rules
The oil and gas giant has asked a court to block emissions reporting legislation that would bring California in line with similar requirements around the world.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
The oil and gas giant has asked a court to block emissions reporting legislation that would bring California in line with similar requirements around the world.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
Verra has confirmed 15m credits from the Kariba offsetting project were junk.
They claim this has no effect on the green claims & reporting by Volkswagen, Nestlé, Microsoft & other global corporations who bought the credits.
Lawyers we spoke to are less convinced.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
They claim this has no effect on the green claims & reporting by Volkswagen, Nestlé, Microsoft & other global corporations who bought the credits.
Lawyers we spoke to are less convinced.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
How a “junk” carbon credit scheme created legal risks for global companies
Microsoft, Nestlé and Volkswagen were among the global companies that used a major carbon offsetting project for their ESG claims. With millions of those credits declared invalid, lawyers warn those c...
www.lexology.com
October 24, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Verra has confirmed 15m credits from the Kariba offsetting project were junk.
They claim this has no effect on the green claims & reporting by Volkswagen, Nestlé, Microsoft & other global corporations who bought the credits.
Lawyers we spoke to are less convinced.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
They claim this has no effect on the green claims & reporting by Volkswagen, Nestlé, Microsoft & other global corporations who bought the credits.
Lawyers we spoke to are less convinced.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
At least 5 Premier League clubs this season have betting sites that aren't licensed in the UK as front-of-shirt sponsors.
The Gambling Commission told clubs they must ensure the sites can't be used, including via a VPN, or the sponsorship could breach the Gambling Act.
But...
The Gambling Commission told clubs they must ensure the sites can't be used, including via a VPN, or the sponsorship could breach the Gambling Act.
But...
October 23, 2025 at 3:49 PM
At least 5 Premier League clubs this season have betting sites that aren't licensed in the UK as front-of-shirt sponsors.
The Gambling Commission told clubs they must ensure the sites can't be used, including via a VPN, or the sponsorship could breach the Gambling Act.
But...
The Gambling Commission told clubs they must ensure the sites can't be used, including via a VPN, or the sponsorship could breach the Gambling Act.
But...
Greenwashing: TotalEnergies rebrand misled consumers, French court rules
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
Greenwashing: TotalEnergies rebrand misled consumers, French court rules
Energy giant TotalEnergies misled the public by trying to give the impression it was part of the solution to climate change, a Paris court has ruled.
www.lexology.com
October 23, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Greenwashing: TotalEnergies rebrand misled consumers, French court rules
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
New|
US Customs initiated a crackdown on imports of Chinese vehicles as Trump resumed office, using anti-slavery laws.
CBP data analysed by Lexology PRO shows a surge in shipments detained - beginning Nov 2024, spiking in January.
More insights (paywalled):
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
US Customs initiated a crackdown on imports of Chinese vehicles as Trump resumed office, using anti-slavery laws.
CBP data analysed by Lexology PRO shows a surge in shipments detained - beginning Nov 2024, spiking in January.
More insights (paywalled):
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
August 27, 2025 at 11:32 AM
New|
US Customs initiated a crackdown on imports of Chinese vehicles as Trump resumed office, using anti-slavery laws.
CBP data analysed by Lexology PRO shows a surge in shipments detained - beginning Nov 2024, spiking in January.
More insights (paywalled):
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
US Customs initiated a crackdown on imports of Chinese vehicles as Trump resumed office, using anti-slavery laws.
CBP data analysed by Lexology PRO shows a surge in shipments detained - beginning Nov 2024, spiking in January.
More insights (paywalled):
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
New greenwashing rules in Canada require the public to report false green claims. Activists @investors4paris.bsky.social say oil & gas companies have responded by hiding their sustainability reports.
They're calling for securities regulators to step up instead.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
They're calling for securities regulators to step up instead.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
Canadian securities regulator urged to tackle greenwashing
New greenwashing rules have led companies to withdraw their sustainability statements from public view, according to campaigners who urged securities regulators to enforce disclosure rules to tackle f...
www.lexology.com
August 20, 2025 at 2:01 PM
New greenwashing rules in Canada require the public to report false green claims. Activists @investors4paris.bsky.social say oil & gas companies have responded by hiding their sustainability reports.
They're calling for securities regulators to step up instead.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
They're calling for securities regulators to step up instead.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
Reposted by Jack Barton
Ok, so we’re really doing this (archive Times link indicating that the EHRC guidance on single sex spaces will be just as unworkable as the draft). archive.ph/taXyE
archive.ph
August 8, 2025 at 8:15 AM
Ok, so we’re really doing this (archive Times link indicating that the EHRC guidance on single sex spaces will be just as unworkable as the draft). archive.ph/taXyE
Reposted by Jack Barton
What does it say about our financial system when a company linked to Amazon #deforestation, Indigenous land invasions, and corruption is approved to trade on the New York Stock Exchange – the biggest stock market in the world?
Why – and how are they allowed?
globalwitness.org/en/campaigns...
Why – and how are they allowed?
globalwitness.org/en/campaigns...
Why meatpacker JBS’s IPO matters for the planet
Meat giant JBS’s US stock market debut exposes the deep flaws in the global financial system and raises urgent questions for regulators, investors and the future of our climate-critical forests
globalwitness.org
August 4, 2025 at 12:34 PM
What does it say about our financial system when a company linked to Amazon #deforestation, Indigenous land invasions, and corruption is approved to trade on the New York Stock Exchange – the biggest stock market in the world?
Why – and how are they allowed?
globalwitness.org/en/campaigns...
Why – and how are they allowed?
globalwitness.org/en/campaigns...
Shein was handed a EUR1 million greenwashing fine in Italy today, following a EUR40 million fine in France a few weeks ago.
Regulators in Belgium, Ireland and the Netherlands, working with the European Commission, are also investigating the company's green claims.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
Regulators in Belgium, Ireland and the Netherlands, working with the European Commission, are also investigating the company's green claims.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
Greenwashing: Shein faces mounting enforcement over environmental claims
The Chinese fast-fashion giant was handed a €1 million fine by Italy’s competition watchdog today over its environmental claims, following a €40 million fine on similar grounds in France last month.
www.lexology.com
August 4, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Shein was handed a EUR1 million greenwashing fine in Italy today, following a EUR40 million fine in France a few weeks ago.
Regulators in Belgium, Ireland and the Netherlands, working with the European Commission, are also investigating the company's green claims.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
Regulators in Belgium, Ireland and the Netherlands, working with the European Commission, are also investigating the company's green claims.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
A breakdown of the US emissions rules likely to go if the EPA walks away from the understanding that GHGs comes under "environmental protection" as just announced.
TL;DR - all of them www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
TL;DR - all of them www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
US EPA to nix basis for vehicle, power plant and manufacturing rules: key takeaways
An EPA regulatory rollback is set to dramatically reduce businesses' environmental compliance burden across numerous sectors.
www.lexology.com
July 30, 2025 at 3:38 PM
A breakdown of the US emissions rules likely to go if the EPA walks away from the understanding that GHGs comes under "environmental protection" as just announced.
TL;DR - all of them www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
TL;DR - all of them www.lexology.com/pro/content/...