Climate Disinformation Worsening Global Crisis, New Report Warns

The report, produced by the International Panel on the Information Environment (Ipie), analyzed around 300 academic studies and found that misleading and false claims are significantly delaying climate action. Researchers say these narratives are often driven by fossil fuel companies, right-wing political figures, and in some cases, nation states.

According to the findings, climate denial has shifted in recent years. Instead of directly rejecting climate science, many campaigns now aim to undermine solutions. One example cited is the spread of false claims that renewable energy was responsible for a large-scale power outage in Spain.

The study also highlights the growing role of digital manipulation. Bots and coordinated troll networks are amplifying misleading narratives online, helping them reach wider audiences. Beyond social media, the report warns that decision-makers themselves — including politicians, regulators, and civil servants — are increasingly being targeted with disinformation designed to delay policy action.

Researchers define climate misinformation as both intentional and unintentional falsehoods. Concern over its impact is rising globally. Elisa Morgera, the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights and climate change, has called for stricter measures, including criminalizing misinformation and greenwashing by fossil fuel companies.

Morgera has argued that governments should take steps to “defossilise” information systems, after decades of influence from the fossil fuel sector. She has also proposed holding media and advertising firms legally accountable if they contribute to spreading misleading climate claims.

The issue has gained international attention ahead of major climate negotiations. Brazil, which will host the upcoming COP30 summit, is expected to rally support for stronger global efforts to combat climate misinformation. Meanwhile, the United Nations has launched the Global Initiative for Information Integrity on Climate Change, aiming to coordinate action among countries.

António Guterres has previously described fossil fuel companies as central drivers of climate disruption and has even suggested banning their advertising. Similarly, Audrey Azoulay warned that climate-related disinformation is spreading rapidly across social media platforms.

Dr. Klaus Jensen of the University of Copenhagen, who co-led the review, described the situation as deeply concerning. He stressed that accurate information is essential for democratic decision-making and effective policy.

“If people do not have access to reliable information, it becomes much harder to support the right policies or elect leaders who will act,” he said. Jensen warned that without addressing misinformation, efforts to reduce emissions could fail, increasing the risk of catastrophic climate outcomes.

The report also highlights how misinformation can erode public trust in science and institutions. It concludes that this growing “information integrity crisis” is intensifying the broader climate emergency.

Examples of misleading narratives range from promoting fossil gas as a low-carbon alternative to spreading conspiracy theories — including claims that wildfires in California were deliberately set by authorities.

The researchers describe what they call a “dual deception” strategy by parts of the fossil fuel industry. Initially, this involved denying climate change or downplaying its severity. More recently, it has shifted toward greenwashing — presenting companies as environmentally responsible while continuing high-emission activities.

Other sectors have also been implicated in spreading misleading claims, including electricity providers, airlines, agriculture industries, tourism, and fast food companies.

The report identifies influential figures as key amplifiers of misinformation. Among them is Donald Trump, whose public statements questioning climate science have been widely shared online, often boosted by automated accounts. It also notes that Russian-linked troll operations have contributed to spreading climate-related disinformation.

In Europe, several right-wing populist parties — including Alternative for Germany (AfD), Vox, and National Rally — are cited as actively challenging established climate science. Certain media outlets with similar political leanings are also accused of amplifying skepticism and conspiracy theories.

To counter the problem, the report suggests a range of measures. These include stricter regulation of online content moderation, such as policies introduced under the EU Digital Services Act, and requiring companies to disclose their emissions transparently.

Legal action against those spreading climate misinformation is already beginning to emerge in some jurisdictions. However, experts stress that long-term solutions will require improved public education to help individuals recognize and resist misleading information.

Despite its extensive scope, the report acknowledges gaps in existing research. Most studies examined focus on English-language content and Western countries, with limited data available from regions such as Africa.

Researchers warn that unless the spread of misinformation is addressed quickly, it could significantly undermine global efforts to tackle climate change — with potentially irreversible consequences.