Truth in climate action and the energy transition: countering climate denialism and misinformation

AS THE risks of climate change become increasingly evident worldwide, the need for reliable and accurate information is more crucial than ever.

- BLESSING MANALE

The World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report (2024) identifies misinformation and disinformation on all topics as a short-term risk to human society amongst others the issue of climate change and the notion of the green economy revolution as such targeted topics.

Recent research has shown a dramatic rise in disinformation related to the climate crisis, spreading at an alarming rate through social media, messaging apps, and generative AI.

Evident in South Africa's just transition journey, the spread of misinformation distorts public debate, weaken policy consensus and scientific consensus around climate change, its consequences, and causes, consequently obstructing the various actors’ ability to respond with agility and effectively to the crisis.

For example, by distorting the realities of decarbonisation—whether by downplaying potential or growth of renewable energy or by understating the health impacts of coal fired power stations—misinformation creates confusion.

The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres stresses the urgency of combating “coordinated disinformation campaigns impeding global progress on climate change". Hence the UN and UNESCO launched the Global Initiative for Information Integrity on Climate Change at the G20 Leaders' Summit in Brazil in 2024 with the aim to promote information integrity on climate change, address disinformation, and enhance climate change awareness and action.

As the public conversation on climate change evolves, so does the sophistication and range of arguments used to downplay or mortgage the need for action.