Coca-Cola Sponsors Climate Agreement Summit... Environmental Groups Protest "Greenwashing"

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-seop] Environmental groups have voiced opposition after Coca-Cola was selected as a sponsor of the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27). Environmental activists claim that Coca-Cola, which produces plastic pollution, is attempting "greenwashing."

According to major foreign media on the 4th, John Hoshiba, head of the marine campaign at Greenpeace USA, stated, "Coca-Cola produces 120 billion single-use plastic bottles annually, worsening the climate crisis," and argued, "Selecting Coca-Cola as a sponsor undermines the goals of this conference." He further pointed out, "If Coca-Cola truly wants to solve the plastic and climate crisis issues, it must turn off the plastic production tap." Emma Freistland, a member of the 'Break Free From Plastic' movement, criticized, "It is shocking that a company closely linked to the fossil fuel industry participates as a sponsor in such an important climate conference."

Earlier, Coca-Cola announced on the 28th of last month that it had signed an agreement with the Egyptian government, the host country of COP27, to participate as a sponsor. Regarding the sponsorship, Coca-Cola explained that it is part of its goal to reduce carbon emissions by 25% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.