The world’s triple planetary crisis – climate change, biodiversity loss, and air pollution – presents a significant challenge to scientific research and informed public debate. Misinformation campaigns pose a serious threat to the validity of science and can foster doubt and disbelief among the public, undermining international efforts to address environmental issues.
Dis- and misinformation about environmental issues can result in a lack of public and political support for climate action, effective policies, and the protection of vulnerable communities, including women and girls who are disproportionately impacted by climate change. This misinformation can exacerbate existing inequalities and hinder progress towards addressing environmental challenges.
To combat the spread of disinformation in the digital ecosystem, UNESCO launched the Guidelines for the governance of digital platforms in November 2023. If fully implemented, these Guidelines will empower stakeholders to establish a governance system that upholds freedom of expression while addressing negative externalities. By implementing these guidelines, we can combat misinformation and create a more informed public discourse on environmental issues.
