Fake news and climate emergency, an explosive combination – 11/30/2023 – Education

On the eve of COP28, it is more urgent than ever that we face the effects of misinformation and denialism in the global debate on the climate crisis. This perverse combination affects the health and well-being of millions of people, especially the most vulnerable, and slows down the process of finding solutions to the challenges posed by the climate emergency. The 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change takes place from November 30th to December 12th, in Dubai, amid countless examples of how the planet has suffered from climate change.

The problem is relentless and is present in every location on the planet. In Brazil, the extreme drought in the Amazon and the heat wave that hit the country in recent weeks brought to light not only archaeological relics in the Manaus region due to the decline of the Negro and Solimões rivers, but also the need to address the issue of changes climate change and global warming as examples of how misinformation affects society, transcends territorial barriers and impacts our lives.

Recent research carried out by the Reuters Institute, released on the 14th, shows that the persistence of misinformation about climate change and the belief in fraudulent content are two of the main factors that prevent more decisive action in favor of preserving the environment. On the other hand, the study “Climate change news audiences 2023: Analysis of news use and attitudes in eight countries” reveals respondents’ perceptions in favor of breaking the cycles of false information.

According to the survey, carried out in eight countries – Brazil, France, Germany, India, Japan, Pakistan, the United Kingdom and the United States –, the majority of the population in these regions recognizes the dangers of disinformation: more than three quarters (80%) of those interviewed say they are concerned about false information about climate change. In Brazil, the rate is 87%. Unfortunately, this data also indicates a strong presence of false information in these locations.

An excerpt from the study reveals that scientists continue to be the most reliable sources of news and information about climate change, with a trust of 73%, on average. Access to reliable information has increased but remains limited. On average, 55% of the public comes into weekly contact with news and information about climate change, an increase of 3% compared to last year.

In practice, the research data points to ways in which we can mitigate the impacts of misinformation. One of them is professional journalism, which, in a careful manner, must reproduce information based on science. It is also expected that journalistic activity goes beyond the narrative of environmental disasters. The Reuters Institute survey indicates a slightly higher proportion express interest in “news that suggests solutions that address climate change” compared to “news that investigates irregularities or abuses of power.” Strengthening local journalism is also essential, especially in regions further away from large centers.

Another path, no less important than journalism, is media education which, when applied to the issue of climate change, plays several critical roles: identification of reliable sources; understanding the manipulation of information; promoting critical thinking; civic engagement; promoting effective communication; and mitigating polarization.

We need to take advantage of the commotion caused by the heat and extreme weather events that we are experiencing to raise this discussion both in international forums such as COP28, but also, and mainly, to incorporate it into the daily life of communication vehicles and schools. It is time to combat climate denialism without polarization, with quality information and critical thinking. After all, this agenda applies to the entire society, regardless of beliefs and ideologies.