The world is currently facing a critical moment with three interconnected crises: climate change, biodiversity loss, and air pollution. However, the spread of disinformation and misinformation campaigns is posing a serious threat to informed public debate and efforts to address these pressing environmental issues.
Misleading information about climate change can create doubt and incredulity among the public, undermining international efforts to combat environmental challenges. This can lead to a lack of support for climate action, effective policies, and protection of vulnerable communities impacted by climate change, exacerbating existing inequalities particularly affecting women and girls.
To address this issue, UNESCO introduced the 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 the spread of false information can be minimized, allowing for more informed and productive discussions about environmental issues.
