French Media Disseminates Climate Disinformation, New AI Study Reveals
A groundbreaking AI-powered study has revealed a concerning prevalence of climate misinformation within French mainstream media. Conducted by a coalition including Data For Good and QuotaClimat, with fact-checking by Science Feedback, the study analyzed news programs from 19 French TV and radio channels during the first quarter of 2025. The results, which represent the initial phase of a larger ongoing project, paint a stark picture of the spread of false and misleading narratives surrounding climate change. Researchers identified 128 instances of verified climate disinformation, averaging approximately 10 cases per week. These findings highlight the urgent need to address the dissemination of inaccurate information, particularly given the public’s reliance on traditional media as a trusted source.
The study pinpointed Sud Radio as the most prolific offender, accounting for nearly a third of all identified disinformation cases. This finding comes despite a formal warning issued to Sud Radio in 2024 by the French regulator ARCOM for airing climate denial content. CNews, another major news channel, also exhibited a high volume of misleading climate narratives, despite facing a fine in 2024 for similar offenses. Even BFM TV, France’s largest news channel, aired segments containing unchecked misinformation, violating its own commitment to honest reporting. LCI, Radio Classique, Europe 1, and RMC were also flagged for broadcasting content that discredits climate science or promotes misleading narratives about climate solutions.
Amidst these troubling findings, a few media outlets emerged as beacons of responsible reporting. Designated as "watchdog channels," RFI (Radio France Internationale), France Inter, France Culture, and Arte were found to be free from climate disinformation. RFI, in particular, was commended for its accurate, science-based climate coverage, despite broadcasting more climate-related topics than any other outlet. This demonstrates that accurate and informative climate reporting is achievable and sets a benchmark for other media organizations to emulate.
The study identified energy and mobility as the primary targets of climate disinformation. Misleading narratives about renewable energy sources, such as claims about their unreliability or harmful environmental impacts, dominated the energy-related disinformation. Similarly, misinformation surrounding electric vehicles (EVs) was widespread, with false claims about their pollution levels and overall effectiveness. These narratives directly contradict the scientific consensus and impede public understanding of crucial aspects of the green transition. A smaller but significant portion of disinformation aimed to discredit climate science itself, often by denying the existence or human-caused nature of climate change.
The significance of this study lies in its comprehensive, data-driven approach to documenting climate disinformation in mainstream media. While the prevalence of such misinformation on social media has been well-documented, this study provides empirical evidence of its infiltration into traditional media outlets—sources often viewed as more authoritative and trustworthy by the public. The timing of disinformation spikes, coinciding with elections and policy announcements, suggests a deliberate strategy to manipulate public opinion and influence political outcomes.
The study’s findings highlight the critical need for a multi-pronged approach to combat climate disinformation. It calls upon civil society to hold media outlets accountable, urging readers and viewers to challenge misleading content and verify information before sharing. Media organizations are urged to prioritize accurate climate reporting, invest in climate science training for journalists, and strengthen fact-checking procedures. ARCOM, the French regulatory body, is tasked with taking a more proactive role in addressing climate disinformation, including faster responses to violations and stricter enforcement of existing regulations. Finally, the report emphasizes the importance of increasing the overall volume and depth of climate coverage to counter the spread of misinformation and foster a more informed public discourse.
The implications of this study extend beyond France. The AI-powered methodology used in the research offers a scalable model for detecting climate disinformation in other countries, providing a valuable tool for researchers and regulators worldwide. The findings underscore the urgent need for collective action to protect the integrity of information and empower citizens to make informed decisions about climate change. The fight against climate disinformation is a crucial aspect of addressing the climate crisis, ensuring that policy decisions and public actions are grounded in scientific evidence, not misleading narratives.
The study’s methodology employed a prototype AI tool to scan thousands of news segments for climate-related keywords and statements. Flagged segments were then manually reviewed by experts from Science Feedback to verify the presence of climate disinformation using stringent scientific and journalistic criteria. This combined approach of AI-driven identification and expert verification ensures the accuracy and rigor of the findings.
The prevalence of climate misinformation in French media is deeply concerning, particularly given the high level of trust the public places in these sources. The study highlights the vulnerability of even established news organizations to the spread of false narratives and underscores the need for constant vigilance. The identification of specific outlets as major contributors to disinformation provides a clear starting point for targeted interventions and accountability measures.
The focus of disinformation on key aspects of the green transition, such as renewable energy and electric vehicles, indicates a deliberate effort to undermine public support for climate action. By targeting these crucial areas, disinformation campaigns seek to sow doubt and confusion, hindering the implementation of effective climate solutions.
The report’s recommendations for action provide a roadmap for addressing climate disinformation in a comprehensive and effective manner. The emphasis on civil society’s role in holding media accountable, combined with calls for improved journalistic practices and stronger regulatory oversight, offers a multi-faceted approach to tackling this complex challenge.
The scalability of the study’s methodology is a significant advancement in the fight against climate disinformation. By providing a replicable model for other countries, the research empowers researchers and regulators to identify and address the spread of false narratives in their own media landscapes.
The urgency of addressing climate disinformation cannot be overstated. The public’s right to accurate information is paramount, particularly when it comes to issues as critical as climate change. By implementing the study’s recommendations and fostering greater collaboration between media organizations, regulators, and civil society, we can create a more informed and resilient information ecosystem. This is essential for fostering public trust, enabling evidence-based decision-making, and accelerating progress towards a sustainable future. The fight against climate disinformation is not just about protecting the integrity of information; it is about safeguarding the future of our planet.