More

    UN Initiative to Counter Climate Disinformation

    EnvironmentClimate changeUN Initiative to Counter Climate Disinformation
    - Advertisment -

    UN Initiative to Counter Climate Disinformation

    As the dangers posed by climate change become increasingly evident worldwide, the need for reliable and accurate information on the impact of the environmental crisis is more crucial than ever. 

    To address this, the United Nations, together with the Organization’s education and science agency, UNESCO and the Brazilian government, launched the Global Initiative for Information Integrity on Climate Change on Tuesday.

    The joint effort announced at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Brazil aims to strengthen research and measures to address all disinformation which has the effect of delaying or derailing climate action.

    Speaking at the G20 Session on Sustainable Development and Energy Transition, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that the initiative will “work with researchers and partners to strengthen action against climate disinformation”.

    “Coordinated disinformation campaigns are impeding global progress on climate change” he added in a social media post.

    - Advertisement -

    Time running out

    At a time when scientists are warning that the world is running out of time, the initiative will boost support for urgent climate action.

    “We must fight the coordinated disinformation campaigns impeding global progress on climate change, ranging from outright denial to greenwashing to harassment of climate scientists”, said Mr. Guterres.

    Aiming to expand the scope of research into climate disinformation and its impacts, the effort will gather evidence from around the world to inform and bolster strategic action, advocacy and communications.

    Speaking at the launch, UNESCO’s Director-General Audrey Azoulay said that “without access to reliable information about this existential challenge, we can never hope to overcome it”.

    Full court press

    Underlining the role of journalists in demanding accountability from diverse stakeholders, including businesses and governments, Ms. Azoulay added that the press “acts as a bridge between science and society” – a bridge that is “needed” she stressed.

    “Through this initiative, we will support the journalists and researchers investigating climate issues, sometimes at great risk to themselves, and fight the climate-related disinformation running rampant on social media,” she urged.

    The initiative is a response to the commitment in the Global Digital Compact, adopted by UN Members States in September, at the Summit of the Future, which encourages UN entities, in collaboration with Governments and relevant stakeholders, to assess the impact of mis- and disinformation on the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

    Countries’ commitment

    Countries signing on will contribute to a UNESCO-administered fund, with a goal of raising an initial $10 to $15 million over the next 36 months, to be distributed as grants to non-governmental organizations to support their work.

    This will include researching climate information integrity, developing communication strategies as well as public awareness campaigns.

    So far, Chile, Denmark, France, Morocco, the United Kingdom and Sweden have already confirmed participation.

    As stated by Brazil’s President Lula da Silva, “actions to combat climate change are also greatly affected by denialism and disinformation. Countries cannot tackle this problem individually.

    “This initiative will bring together countries, international organizations, and networks of researchers to support joint efforts to tackle disinformation and promote actions in preparation for COP30 in Brazil”.

    Rapid spread

    Climate disinformation has found a home in particular on social media, messaging apps, and through generative AI.

    According to UNESCO, this phenomenon has several serious impacts: it undermines scientific consensus, obstructs authorities’ ability to respond effectively to the crisis, and threatens the safety of journalists and environmental defenders working on the frontlines.

    The risk posed by disinformation to achieving climate goals has been recognized by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) which stated in 2022 that “deliberate undermining of science” was contributing to “misperceptions of the scientific consensus, uncertainty, disregarded risk and urgency, and dissent.”

    - Advertisement -

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here

    Latest news

    Sri Lanka’s Elephant Corridor Plan ‘Unscientific’

    Nearly 5,000 elephants and 1,600 people have been killed in the last 15 years in clashes between elephants and humans in Sri Lanka, home to one of the largest remaining populations of Asian elephants, according to official figures.

    New Projections Show Extreme Glacier Loss Already at 2°C

    Staying close to 1.5°C on the other hand preserves at least some glacier ice in all regions, even Scandinavia, with 20-30 per cent remaining in the four most sensitive regions; and 40-45 per cent in the Himalayas and Caucuses; stressing the growing urgency of the 1.5°C temperature goal and rapid decarbonization to achieve it.

    Government Extends Interest Relief for Farmers, Reinforces KCC and MISS as Pillars of Agricultural Credit

    Through the KCC framework, farmers benefit from revolving credit facilities for up to five years. This flexible structure allows them to draw and repay funds as per their seasonal requirements without having to reapply for loans each season.

    Legal Battle Brews Over Rampant Illegal Sand Mining in Meghna River

    The massive profits coupled with a weak legal framework have drawn influential individuals with political connections into the sand mining business, making it dangerous for environmental activists and journalists to speak out.
    - Advertisement -

    Yunus Warns of ‘War-Like Situation’ Amid Political Crisis and Rising Tensions

    The high-stakes meeting brought together 20 leaders from various political parties and organisations in two separate sessions, as Yunus sought to shore up support amid reports of internal tensions within his interim government and growing external pressure.

    Vice President Calls for Direct Subsidies and Agri-Entrepreneurship at Madhya Pradesh Conclave

    He urged agro-based industries, NGOs, MPs, and MLAs to adopt villages and help build agri-entrepreneurial ecosystems.

    Must read

    Sri Lanka’s Elephant Corridor Plan ‘Unscientific’

    Nearly 5,000 elephants and 1,600 people have been killed in the last 15 years in clashes between elephants and humans in Sri Lanka, home to one of the largest remaining populations of Asian elephants, according to official figures.

    New Projections Show Extreme Glacier Loss Already at 2°C

    Staying close to 1.5°C on the other hand preserves at least some glacier ice in all regions, even Scandinavia, with 20-30 per cent remaining in the four most sensitive regions; and 40-45 per cent in the Himalayas and Caucuses; stressing the growing urgency of the 1.5°C temperature goal and rapid decarbonization to achieve it.
    - Advertisement -

    More from the sectionRELATED
    Recommended to you