A groundbreaking initiative to combat climate disinformation was launched on Tuesday by the United Nations, UNESCO, and the Brazilian government. The Global Initiative for Information Integrity on Climate Change aims to address disinformation campaigns that obstruct climate action. The initiative, announced at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Brazil, will strengthen research, advocacy, and communication strategies to fight climate-related false information, with a particular focus on social media and generative AI platforms.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasised the urgency of this move, stating: “We must fight the coordinated disinformation campaigns impeding global progress on climate change, ranging from outright denial to greenwashing to harassment of climate scientists.” Supported by countries like Chile, Denmark, France, Morocco, the UK, and Sweden, the initiative will also establish a UNESCO-administered global fund to sustain journalists, researchers, and NGOs combating climate disinformation.

Speaking at the launch, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay underlined the pivotal role of reliable information in tackling climate challenges. She noted: “Without access to reliable information about this existential challenge, we can never hope to overcome it.” Brazilian President Lula da Silva highlighted the global nature of this problem, asserting: “Countries cannot tackle this problem individually. This initiative will bring together nations and networks of researchers to support joint efforts.”

The fund aims to raise an initial $10–15 million over the next three years to finance projects that expose and counteract false narratives, develop public awareness campaigns, and promote information integrity. This initiative deserves praise for addressing a critical issue that has long undermined global climate action. Disinformation campaigns, whether by vested interests or coordinated skeptic groups, disrupt meaningful discussions, and create public confusion about climate science. However, success relies on robust implementation and inclusive participation. While major economies have joined the initiative, further outreach to vulnerable nations and civil society groups is vital to ensure diverse perspectives are included.

The spread of climate disinformation is not a new phenomenon. It has intensified over the past two decades, driven by vested interests seeking to maintain the status quo of fossil fuel dependency. In 2022, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) identified “deliberate undermining of science” as a major barrier to achieving climate goals. This tactic has been used to sow doubt about climate change, exaggerate scientific uncertainties, and greenwash industries’ environmental impact. The role of social media and emerging technologies, like generative AI, has exacerbated the problem. Disinformation now travels faster and further, reaching audiences who lack access to scientific counterpoints.

The Global Initiative for Information Integrity on Climate Change represents a decisive move to protect the integrity of climate communication. As the world prepares for COP30 in Brazil, ensuring accurate information will be pivotal in rallying public and political support for meaningful climate action. If successful, this initiative could serve as a blueprint for tackling disinformation in other areas of global concern, such as public health and human rights. By uniting nations, researchers, and civil society, the initiative holds promise for strengthening global resilience against the dangers of disinformation, ultimately paving the way for a more informed and collaborative approach to addressing the climate crisis.