The Importance of, and Barriers to, Climate Adaptation
Climate adaptation plays a critical role in responding to the climate crisis. Rather than focusing on emissions reductions, adaptation measures aim to adjust to the current and anticipated impacts of climate change. Despite its importance, effective climate adaptation faces several challenges, including political and structural constraints, as well as insufficient funding and resources [1][2]. Another significant barrier is climate disinformation. There are many forms of climate disinformation, such as climate denial, climate delay, and climate conspiracies [3][4]. Together, these barriers hinder progress on adaptation [3] [4].
What Disinformation Does to Adaptation
Motivations for climate disinformation lie in gaining political and ideological influence, as well as financial and economic gain [4] [5]. However, it undermines trust in science and reduces public and political support for adaptation measures [5]. When coupled with further political disinformation, this delays the development and implementation of adaptation policies and interventions.
Disinformation can also drive maladaptation, leading to outcomes that ultimately undermine communities’ resilience to climate change rather than bolstering it.
When US President Donald Trump addressed the UN General Assembly in September 2025, he described the climate crisis as “the greatest con job perpetrated by the world” [6]. This statement by the President was followed by the authorisation of interventions that restrict adaptation. Most notably, an intervention halted more than USD 4 billion in grants for disaster-preparedness projects from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, with suggestions that the agency should be dismantled altogether [7] [8].
Trumps disinformation campaign leaves regions more vulnerable and unprepared when disasters strike. It also places greater responsibility on state and local governments who lack the institutional capacity and resources required to adequately address adaptation needs [7] [8].
The spread of climate disinformation amongst local residents also shapes public perceptions of adaptation, which further contributes to the dampening of adaptation efforts. In Cape Town, South Africa, an intense period of drought between 2015 and 2018 caused severe water shortages [9] [10]. Disinformation campaigns were spread about the water crisis which led to confusion and divided opinions amongst residents about the city’s handling of the remaining water supply [10] [11].
The Correct Response to Adaptation-Related Disinformation
Local, national, and international responses all play a role in the fight against climate disinformation.
The obvious response to adaptation-related disinformation is to refute false information with scientific and factual evidence. The government of Cape Town tackled the disinformation about the water crisis by working with NGOs, using social media and community meet-ups to provide accurate information and disseminate disinformation [10]. The transparency the government provided promoted compliance amongst its residents, leading to the participation of residents in water saving initiatives such as the ‘Day Zero’ campaign [12] [13] [14].
At every level, climate information integrity is crucial for preventing the spread of disinformation and promoting climate adaptation. Education plays an important role in this by providing accurate and engaging climate information, which in turn empowers stakeholders to participate meaningfully in climate adaptation. There are also opportunities in this space for national governments to collaborate with international organisations. For example, the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa has organised regional workshops on tackling disinformation [15]. These efforts form part of the Global Initiative for Information Integrity on Climate Change which was launched in November 2024 by the UN, UNESCO, and the Brazilian government [16].
Collaboration between stakeholders – alongside a strong commitment to climate information integrity – offers actionable pathways to ensuring sustained support for climate adaptation at all levels.
