In 2017, RWE was\u00a0ranked<\/a>\u00a0as Europe\u2019s biggest CO2 emitter and as the worst\u00a0positioned<\/a>\u00a0of the 14 largest European power companies for low-carbon transition. The company has since reduced its overall power plant emissions from 131.8 million tonnes of CO2 in\u00a02017<\/a>\u00a0to 68.9 million tonnes in\u00a02020<\/a>, largely by reducing coal power operations and, for 2020, in light of reduced demand under COVID-19.<\/p>\n However, it continues to mine and burn brown coal, an energy source which is disastrous for the climate, and refuses to phase out coal power by the time experts\u00a0say<\/a>\u00a0is necessary for climate goals \u2013 2030. RWE also plans to ramp up on its fossil gas business, despite the clear need to reduce reliance on gas.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n ISO 14001 certificate cover page; click to enlarge.<\/p><\/div>\n RWE has engaged in an aggressive “Greenwashing” rebranding campaign, that ClientEarth says hides the truth of its operations:<\/p>\n RWE\u2019s brown coal mines in Garzweiler and Hambach have been the subject of long-standing\u00a0protests<\/a>\u00a0against RWE\u2019s ambition to destroy the last remaining piece of an ancient forest. RWE\u2019s mining activities also are responsible for the expropriation of local communities. RWE\u2019s brown coal mines in Garzweiler and Hambach have been the subject of long-standing\u00a0protests<\/a>\u00a0against RWE\u2019s ambition to destroy the last remaining piece of an ancient forest.\u00a0 RWE\u2019s mining activities also are responsible for the expropriation of local communities.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n In Peru, RWE’s CO2 emission is being tested in court as the reason for a looming humanitarian crisis. An increase in greenhouse gases has caused glaciers to melt, raising the waters of Lake Palcacocha. The lake now appears ready to burst local dams, threatening the city of Huaraz in the valley below. German judges are visiting Peru<\/a> to assess the veracity of these claims.<\/p>\n Despite this, RWE holds multiple ISO 14001 certificates issued by TUV NORD<\/a>. Those certificates attest that RWE has implemented environmental management system controls. The certificate lists multiple RWE plants around the world as part of the scope of its certification.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.oxebridge.com\/emma\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/rwecert.jpg\")
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