Information manipulation shapes the conditions for climate action, think tank E3G argues in an analysis published on Tuesday 25 August. “As a common tactic, disinformation seeks to erode trust in scientific climate consensus to discredit climate policy itself”, the authors explain.
Among the drivers of climate disinformation, the rapid advances in generative AI and digital tools play a particularly strong role in the processes at work, because they reduce dissemination costs and the time required to produce misleading content.
E3G identifies three main deliberately misleading claims used in attempts to influence public opinion. The first concerns the affordability and reliability of renewable energy, the second technical claims regarding the inefficient design and deployment of infrastructure, and the third macroeconomic arguments concerning excessive state support and related tax burdens.
To address these issues, they advocate for an environment in which information integrity can be preserved. This is essential to ensure that decisions are based on reliable information, both for civil society actors and for businesses, and it also aims to protect the scientific consensus.
E3G stresses that information integrity is increasingly recognised as central to climate action, as shown by a declaration launched at COP30 in Belém. “It is key to extend its reach beyond experts so that a resilient information environment with accessible and comprehensive scientific information guides public and political discussions”, the think tank concludes. (Original version in French by Nadège Delépine)