The climate crisis is unfolding with increasing speed and intensity, but so too is the spread of misleading narratives designed to confuse, delay, or obstruct action [1, 2]. Climate disinformation has become one of the most significant obstacles to building public trust, scientific understanding, and clear policy responses [1, 3]. Before diving deeper into its many dimensions, it is useful to set the stage with an overview of what climate disinformation is, how it works, and what is being done to counter it.
Climate Misinformation and Disinformation
There is a distinction between climate misinformation and disinformation [2].
Misinformation refers to false or misleading claims about climate change shared without harmful intent. It may arise from misunderstandings of scientific evidence, misinterpretations of weather events, or outdated knowledge [2]. For example, citing cold winters as “proof” that global warming is a hoax is a mistake that is often born out of confusion rather than malice.
Disinformation, in contrast, is false content created or shared deliberately to deceive. It is often politically or financially motivated and used to discredit climate science, undermine public support for policies, or protect vested interests such as fossil fuel revenues [2]. Tactics include cherry-picking statistics, spreading conspiracy theories, or casting doubt on scientific consensus.
Together, both misinformation and disinformation undermine trust and slow down collective action on one of the most urgent challenges we face [2].
Types of Climate Disinformation
Several recurring forms of climate disinformation shape public debate [2]:
- Climate denial: Rejects well-established science, claiming climate change is not happening or is purely natural. Although less mainstream than it once was, it still circulates widely online and resurfaces in political rhetoric [2].
- Climate delay: More subtle and increasingly common, this tactic accepts that climate change is real but emphasizes barriers to action, portraying solutions as too costly, unfair, or impractical. Delay is often more persuasive than outright denial [2].
- Greenwashing: Corporations or institutions exaggerate their environmental credentials to appear more sustainable while avoiding meaningful changes. Advertising that presents fossil fuels as “clean” energy or highlights token investments in renewables falls into this category [2].
- Conspiracy narratives: Suggest climate change is fabricated or manipulated to advance hidden agendas, often portraying scientists, NGOs, or governments as conspirators seeking control. These narratives erode institutional trust and polarize debate [2].
How Does Climate Disinformation Work?
The spread of disinformation exploits social and psychological dynamics as much as political and economic ones [3]. Social media platforms create echo chambers, where users are exposed repeatedly to content that aligns with their pre-existing beliefs [4]. Algorithms designed to maximize engagement amplify sensational material, regardless of accuracy [4]. Psychological confirmation bias makes people more likely to accept information that confirms their worldview and dismiss contradictory evidence [4].
False content also thrives during crises [3]. Extreme weather events like floods or wildfires drive sharp spikes in online discussion. In these moments of uncertainty, misleading claims or, increasingly, AI-generated fake images spread rapidly, undermining emergency responses and sowing distrust [5].
Who Spreads Disinformation?
Key drivers include fossil fuel companies and political actors as well as conspiracy groups, fringe influencers, and unregulated online forums [2]. Recent reports confirm coordinated campaigns by domestic and foreign actors to amplify falsehoods and cast doubt on climate science, sometimes aided by algorithmic biases and gaps in moderation [2, 6].
How to Recognize Climate Disinformation
Recognizing disinformation requires active attention [1]. Some practical steps include:
- Checking whether claims rely on peer-reviewed, credible sources.
- Comparing across multiple outlets rather than a single post or headline.
- Watching for signs of manipulation, such as exaggerated language, oversimplified claims, or doctored imagery.
- Consulting established authorities, such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Media literacy is essential: knowing that repetition of false claims increases their stickiness makes it easier to resist them [4].
Who Is Fighting Back
Efforts to counter climate disinformation are underway globally [1]:
- International institutions like the UN have launched the Global Initiative for Information Integrity on Climate Change and promote broader principles for healthy information ecosystems [7].
- Governments and regulators in regions such as the European Union are pushing platforms to strengthen content moderation [1].
- Academic and civil society groups conduct independent research, track evolving disinformation narratives, and provide public resources [1].
- Digital tools and fact-checking initiatives, such as UNDP’s iVerify, help flag false claims in real time [2].
- Citizen-led efforts, including fact-checking collectives and “pre-bunking” campaigns, empower individuals to inoculate themselves against misleading narratives before they spread [1].
Yet responses remain uneven. Most initiatives are centered in the Global North, leaving gaps in capacity in regions where the impacts of climate change are the most severe. Bridging this divide is a critical next step.
