Despite the evidence and public concern about climate change (76% of Island residents think that climate change is an important issue) there is a proliferation of climate misinformation on social media. This has changed somewhat over the last decade from outright denial to solutions denial.
This version of denial still seeks to undermine and potentially delay climate action, but its false arguments are more subtle. It can look like a family member sharing a conspiracy theory video on Facebook to an intentionally deceptive infographic sponsored by a lobbyist. Understanding what climate misinformation is, how to identify it, and what actions you can take to counter it is crucial. Here’s a guide to help you navigate this challenge and become an ambassador for science.
What is Climate Misinformation?
Climate misinformation refers to false or misleading information about climate change or its solutions. You can use this mnemonic 'FLICC' developed by Hoofnagle and Cook:
- False expertise: Presenting someone unqualified as a credible source
- Logical fallacies: Arguments where the consultations don’t logically follow the premises
- Impossible expectations: Demanding unrealistic standards of proof or data before acting on the science
- Conspiracy theorists: Proposing that a secret plan exists to implement a nefarious scheme
- Cherry-picking data: This is a big one on social media! Carefully selecting data that appear to confirm one position while ignoring other data that contradicts that position.
How to Spot Climate Misinformation
- Check the Source: Reliable information typically comes from reputable sources such as scientific organisations (e.g., NASA, the Met Office, the IPCC, etc.), government agencies, and established news organisations like the BBC. Be wary of information from unknown or biased sources.
- Look for Evidence: Credible claims are backed by scientific evidence. Check if the information cites studies, data, or expert opinions. Misinformation often lacks this backing or misrepresents the data.
- Beware of Emotional Appeals: Misinformation often uses emotional language to provoke strong reactions. While climate change is an emotional topic, credible information will focus on facts and evidence rather than fear-mongering or sensationalism.
- Check for Consensus: The scientific consensus on climate change is clear: it is happening, and human activities are a significant cause. If a claim goes against this consensus, it warrants scepticism.
- Cross-Verify Information: Use multiple sources to verify the information. If only one source is making a particular claim, it might be misinformation.
Examples of misinformation:
Misinformation can look like a lot of things. For instance, in the examples above, the information has been cherry-picked, taken out of context and there are no sources to support the comments. They are making an emotional appeal saying people will be cold and hungry, or the land that was once biodiverse and green is now not. One of the images looks like it is not real.
What You Can Do to Tackle Climate Misinformation
- Stop the spread: pause before you share
- Debunk it: start by clearly stating the truth and then address the falsehood and fact-check it (ideally stating the source)
- Report it: some social media companies have a range of tools they can use to systematically combat climate misinformation. You can play your part by reporting it when you see it. The World Health Organisation have a great guide on how to do this here
- Educate Yourself: Stay informed about climate science and policy. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to spot misinformation. The Met Office has just launched a toolkit for tacking climate misinformation and Skeptical Science is a great resource too
- Support Fact-Checking Organisations: Organisations like Skeptical Science, FactCheck.org, and Climate Feedback work to debunk misinformation. Support their efforts by following them and sharing their findings.
Climate change presents an existential threat and inequality dividing our world into greater extremes than ever. Collectively, we can build a network of informed individuals committed to spreading authoritative and correct information about climate change that inspires people to care and take action. Join us in this vital mission to protect science and ensure a sustainable future for all.