In a rare move, the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) has come to the defense of Apple amid a class-action lawsuit alleging the tech giant misled consumers with claims of carbon neutrality for certain Apple Watch models.
Filed in late February, the lawsuit challenges Apple’s marketing of the Series 9 Apple Watch as carbon neutral. The plaintiffs, representing seven consumers, contend that the carbon credits Apple uses — stemming from forestry projects in Kenya and China — fail to deliver genuine emissions reductions. They argue Apple should have exercised greater diligence in validating the legitimacy of the credits.
EDF, a prominent environmental nonprofit, submitted an amicus brief on May 15 in support of Apple’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit. The 25-page filing asserts that Apple’s approach to carbon neutrality is “eminently reasonable and consistent with industry practice.”
“This is the first time we’ve weighed in on a case like this,” said Elizabeth Sturcken, EDF’s vice president for net-zero ambition and action. “Apple is a recognized climate leader. Investors, employees, and consumers are demanding climate action, and companies must be able to communicate their progress. We need climate leadership to scale across the private sector — not be punished.”
While acknowledging valid concerns surrounding the voluntary carbon market, EDF noted that stronger standards are emerging to improve the quality and transparency of carbon credits. Moreover, the group emphasized that Apple’s carbon strategy prioritizes emissions reduction before resorting to offsets.
According to the brief, Apple cuts manufacturing-related emissions for the Series 9 Watch by about 75% through the use of recycled materials, fiber-based packaging, and lower-carbon shipping practices. It then purchases verified carbon credits to offset the remaining 25%.
Legal Debate Over Verification Responsibility
A central allegation in the plaintiffs’ case is that Apple failed to adequately verify the effectiveness of the carbon credit projects it supports. One such project is reportedly under investigation, fueling claims that Apple should have independently confirmed the emissions reductions.
EDF warns that a legal precedent requiring companies to independently verify every carbon offset could destabilize the voluntary carbon market. “Plaintiffs’ legal theory would chill corporate action to mitigate climate change,” the brief states, arguing that few companies have the capacity to conduct in-depth investigations into each offset project.
In its conclusion, EDF contends that such a requirement would ultimately discourage corporate support for emissions-reduction projects that are critical to addressing the climate crisis.
An Unusual Corporate Ally
Legal experts say it is uncommon for environmental organizations to intervene on behalf of corporations in greenwashing cases.
“EDF isn’t defending Apple’s brand — they’re defending a model of climate leadership based on transparency, decarbonization, and credible use of offsets,” said Daniel Cherrin, founder of North Coast Strategies. “The voluntary carbon market has flaws, but it’s functional, and companies like Apple are using it to make real progress against climate change.”
Apple declined to comment on EDF’s filing but referred to its previous statement expressing pride in its carbon-neutral products.
On May 19, plaintiffs in the case amended their complaint to request a jury trial. A hearing on Apple’s motion to dismiss the case is scheduled for August 27 in the U.S. District Court in San Jose, California.
