In a panel discussion held at the United Nations Headquarters, experts expressed deep concerns about the proliferation of mis- and disinformation related to climate change. UN’s Senior Adviser on Information Integrity, Charlotte Scaddan, engaged in a candid conversation with three prominent climate experts at the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Media Zone, emphasizing the importance of addressing the spread of misleading facts regarding climate change.
Jake Dubbins, a member of Climate Action Against Disinformation, unveiled the results of a comprehensive poll conducted last year, revealing that climate mis- and disinformation has gained significant traction in multiple countries. The survey, encompassing six different nations, uncovered a disturbing trend: over 20 percent of respondents in all six countries believed that humans were not responsible for climate change, highlighting the scale of the challenge.
Vanessa Nakate, a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, raised a critical concern about fossil fuel companies intentionally concealing information to safeguard their profits, potentially hindering global efforts to combat climate change. This revelation underscores the urgency of addressing corporate interests that may compromise environmental accountability.
Paul Goodloe, a meteorologist from The Weather Channel, criticized news outlets that disseminate climate mis- and disinformation while disguising it as news. He argued that climate change is a scientific fact, not a matter of opinion, and emphasized the media’s responsibility in presenting accurate information.
Why Does it Matter?
Climate experts have warned that the impacts of climate change are accelerating, with dire consequences for the planet and humanity. However, denial, mis- and disinformation regarding well-established scientific facts are inundating the media landscape. The panel discussion shed light on the pressing need to combat this issue, as the consequences of climate change become increasingly severe and far-reaching. Addressing these concerns is essential to fostering informed public discourse and taking meaningful action to combat the climate crisis.
