At the RADAR Public Debate co-hosted by the Institut für Europäische Politik and TEPSA, we gathered 80 Europeans from 7 EU Member States to learn and share perspectives on disinformation on the issue of climate change. Not only did attendees discuss the noxious impacts of disinformation on the public debate surrounding the climate crisis (and consequently on the efficacy of policy-making in this area), but they also explored the methods and techniques used to spread disinformation.

“The spread of disinformation is a constant challenge for democratic societies in Europe. It has the potential to undermine democratic processes and enhance societal polarisation. At the same time climate change is arguably one of the most pressing global issues that we face today and tomorrow. It has become a contested sphere of intense political and societal debate, thus an area where disinformation flourishes. For instance, information falsely stating that global warming is not caused by human activity, serves to prevent meaningful climate change measures. The changing digital communication landscapes and social media platforms facilitate the spread of disinformation. It is therefore important to not only recognise disinformation on climate change in political debates and in everyday life, but also to develop effective policies and other measures to combat disinformation in the European Union (EU).”

As part of our follow-up to the RADAR Public Debate that took place in Berlin on June 15, we polled attendees to gather their views on disinformation in climate change. This is what they answered…