In the face of a triple planetary crisis consisting of climate change, biodiversity loss, and air pollution, we are confronted with a critical moment. It is during this time that disinformation and misinformation campaigns have taken hold, spreading falsehoods and challenging the validity of scientific research methods. This poses a serious threat to informed public debate and the efforts to address these pressing environmental issues.
The spread of misleading information about climate change can create doubt and incredulity among the public, undermining international efforts to combat environmental challenges. This lack of support for climate action can result in ineffective policies and the failure to protect vulnerable communities impacted by climate change, exacerbating existing inequalities particularly affecting women and girls.
To combat this flood of disinformation in the digital ecosystem, UNESCO introduced Guidelines for the governance of digital platforms in November 2023. These guidelines aim to empower stakeholders to implement governance systems that promote freedom of expression while addressing the negative effects of misinformation. By adhering to these guidelines, it is hoped that we can minimize the spread of false information, allowing for more informed and productive discussions about environmental issues.