Global Initiative Launched to Combat Climate Disinformation Ahead of COP30
The pervasive issue of climate change disinformation is taking center stage as the world prepares for the COP30 climate conference in Belém, Brazil. A newly launched initiative, the Global Initiative for Information Integrity on Climate Change, aims to combat the spread of false and misleading narratives that impede effective climate action. This initiative, a collaborative effort between UNESCO, the UN, the Brazilian government, and other international partners, is crowdsourcing solutions from governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector. The goal is to identify concrete strategies for promoting accurate climate information and countering disinformation campaigns. Selected initiatives will be showcased at COP30 in November, marking the first time information integrity has been formally included in the COP Action Agenda.
The urgency of this initiative stems from the alarming prevalence of climate change denial and apathy, despite overwhelming scientific consensus. Surveys in countries like the US reveal significant portions of the population unconcerned about climate change or skeptical of its human-caused origins. This skepticism is fueled by declining media coverage of climate issues, as evidenced by a recent report showing a significant drop in global newspaper coverage compared to the previous year. Simultaneously, the rise of mis- and disinformation, identified as a top global vulnerability in the UN Global Risk Report, further exacerbates the challenge of fostering public understanding and support for climate action.
The Global Initiative for Information Integrity on Climate Change is focusing on several key areas to address this challenge. These include research into disinformation tactics, development of tools to promote accurate climate information, design of effective communication strategies, support for environmental journalism, protection of climate-related data, transparency in advertising, and enhancement of media and digital literacy. This multi-pronged approach reflects the complexity of the disinformation landscape and the need for diverse solutions. The initiative aims to gather concrete proposals by August 31st, paving the way for a focused discussion and potential implementation at COP30.
The initiative has garnered support from high-profile figures like UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who has called for stronger action against coordinated disinformation campaigns obstructing climate progress. Guterres has specifically criticized the fossil fuel industry for employing greenwashing tactics and delaying climate action through lobbying, legal threats, and extensive advertising. He has drawn parallels with the tobacco industry, advocating for similar restrictions on fossil fuel advertising. Experts emphasize the direct impact of public confusion on governmental regulation of greenhouse gas emissions and support for climate solutions. The spread of denialist narratives undermines the implementation of effective policies and hinders progress in tackling the climate crisis.
The question of the most effective communication approach to counter climate disinformation remains a subject of debate among experts. Some advocate for positive and inspiring narratives that highlight the potential for climate solutions, while others emphasize the importance of presenting data-driven insights and clear evidence to refute denialist claims. Recent analysis suggests that climate deniers are increasingly adopting a “new denial” strategy, shifting from outright denial of climate change to skepticism about the effectiveness of climate solutions and the credibility of climate science. This shift underscores the need for robust fact-checking and communication strategies that directly address these evolving narratives.
Effective solutions will likely require a multi-faceted approach that incorporates both inspiring stories and data-driven evidence. Recognizing the various denialist arguments is crucial. These often fall into categories such as denying the reality of climate change, attributing it to natural causes, downplaying its severity, claiming that solutions are ineffective, or asserting that it’s too late to act. Existing initiatives aimed at promoting climate information integrity include support for climate journalism, academic research on climate communication, and meta-analyses of climate change information. Moreover, programs promoting the inclusion of climate information in popular culture, through film and fiction, are gaining momentum. This broader approach aims to saturate the informational landscape with accurate and engaging content that fosters public understanding and support for climate action.