Global Coalition Launches Initiative to Combat Climate Disinformation Ahead of COP30
In a significant move to address the escalating threat of climate disinformation, an international coalition has launched a global initiative to strengthen information integrity on climate change. With the urgency of climate action underscored by increasingly dire scientific warnings, the coalition aims to build momentum for decisive measures by countering the spread of false and misleading information that undermines public trust and hinders progress. The initiative, launched ahead of the crucial COP30 climate conference scheduled for November 2025 in Belém, Brazil, seeks to identify and promote concrete efforts to combat climate disinformation. Selected proposals will be showcased during the official COP30 program, bringing the issue to the forefront of global climate discussions.
This initiative marks a watershed moment, as it represents the first time information integrity has been formally incorporated into the COP agenda. This inclusion reflects the Brazilian presidency’s recognition of the critical need to address climate disinformation as a prerequisite for garnering greater public and political support for urgent climate action. Brazilian President Lula da Silva has emphasized the debilitating impact of climate denialism and disinformation, recognizing it as a global challenge that transcends national borders and necessitates international collaboration.
The Global Initiative for Climate Change Information Integrity enjoys broad support from a diverse coalition of stakeholders, including the United Nations, UNESCO, the UNFCCC, the Brazilian government, and six other countries: Chile, Denmark, France, Morocco, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. This international collaboration underscores the shared commitment to safeguarding the information ecosystem from the corrosive effects of climate disinformation. Civil society partners also play a vital role in the initiative, reflecting the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement in tackling this complex issue.
The initiative’s launch comes amidst growing global concern about the pervasive and detrimental effects of disinformation. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for stronger measures to combat “coordinated disinformation campaigns” that obstruct global progress on climate change. These campaigns range from outright denial of climate science to “greenwashing” tactics that mislead the public about the environmental impact of products and practices, and even extend to the harassment of climate scientists. The inaugural UN Global Risk Report, published earlier this year, identified disinformation as the world’s top vulnerability, underscoring the severity of the threat it poses to societal stability and progress.
The initiative is seeking proposals for existing actions in several key areas: research on climate disinformation, tools for promoting information integrity, effective communication strategies, support for environmental journalism, protection of scientific data, advertising transparency, and media literacy education. These diverse areas reflect the multifaceted nature of the challenge posed by climate disinformation and the need for comprehensive solutions. The initiative recognizes that false and misleading information can erode the credibility of the COP process itself, dampen public engagement, and fuel narratives that justify inaction on climate change.
Submissions are open until August 31, 2025, through the official initiative website. A dedicated steering committee and advisory group will review the submitted proposals, selecting those that demonstrate the greatest potential for impact. Selected initiatives may be featured in the Global Climate Action Agenda at COP30, providing a platform for showcasing innovative solutions and best practices in combating climate disinformation. This platform will also facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration among diverse stakeholders, fostering a collective effort to address this critical challenge and pave the way for more effective climate action. The initiative represents a crucial step towards fostering a more informed and engaged public discourse on climate change, empowering individuals and policymakers to make evidence-based decisions and accelerate the global transition to a sustainable future. By tackling the root causes of climate disinformation, the initiative aims to build a stronger foundation for international cooperation and effective climate action in the years ahead.