Act fast to end climate change disinformation

Forces against climate action are increasing amid frequent and more severe disasters.

The climate deniers use disinformation to claim there is no crisis, that a warmer climate is just fine, and that more extraction and dependence on fossil fuels is necessary, undermining efforts to address the crisis or adapt to its irreducible consequences.

Disinformation is fueled by ignorance, vested interests and external influences. It is also highly likely in countries where fossil fuel industries are nations’ economic mainstay, and transition to renewable energy seems a stumbling block to existing and prospective business opportunities.

The disinformation includes framing climate policies as imposed by foreigners or a threat to development. Social and mainstream media aid such falsehoods, which thrive where the messages resonate with local contexts or meet existing doubts or fears about economic development, sovereignty, or cultural identity.

The lies expose smallholder farmers, rural communities and urban poor to severe impacts of climate change, as the disinformation downplays severity of climate change or undermines need for urgent action. In a continent where the weatherman is often doubted, disinformation may worsen trust in key institutions and derail crucial action. Disinformation may further isolate Africa at a time when its voice in the global climate talks is key to achieving climate justice.

The deniers like to frame climate change as foreign agenda. In countries where economic growth is tied to fossil fuels, the deniers argue that climate action threatens development and jobs. These narratives are dangerous because they resonate with genuine concerns. For instance, Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, saw the peddling of a narrative that climate policies are an attempt by Western countries to stifle the country’s economic growth. This was evident in 2021 when the Nigerian government committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. The deniers used social media to amplify fears that transitioning away from oil would lead to massive job losses.

In South Africa, where coal contributes more than 70 per cent of the country’s electricity, deniers focus on the risk of energy scarcity. They use media outlets and digital content creators to circulate disinformation that renewable energy sources are unreliable.

Social media amplifies such falsehoods through memes, videos, and infographics shared widely.

Such tactics can be tackled by building the capacity of the citizenry through mainstream and other media, targeting even those at the grassroots through vernacular and community media outlets. “My people perish for lack of knowledge,” the Bible says.

Given that Africa’s media has both reputable and untrustworthy news outlets, some in countries where disinformation can thrive due to weak regulations, the free and independent press must be sought to ensure accountability from the powers that be and feed their audiences with accurate content. The regulation of social media is also important.

Other efforts involve capacity building of opinion shapers such as local leaders, clerics, and social media influencers, on climate education and awareness campaigns, and equipping those who know the truth to amplify the message that climate change is real, urgent and needs action now.

Also incorporate climate change education in school curricula as a long-term strategy, and involve youth in the science of climate change, its impacts, and importance of action. With these efforts, Africa can build a disinformation-resilient generation.

The battle against climate change disinformation is not just fight for truth but for the continent’s survival amid one of the most pressing issues of our time. This requires collective action from all sectors of society.

-The writer champions climate justice