Why G20 Leaders Must Prioritize Information Integrity to Combat the Climate Crisis

Last year was recorded as the hottest in history, with temperatures rising about 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Despite this alarming fact, some people still express doubts about climate change. These doubts aren’t just random; they’re fueled by organized campaigns, especially from the fossil fuel industry, which profits from misinformation.

Research shows that climate disinformation is a thriving business. A policy brief from the Forum on Information & Democracy highlights the impact of these campaigns. They aim to create confusion about climate change and derail policy efforts to address it. This manipulation gains traction on social media platforms that prioritize engagement, often leading to profit over truth.

Additionally, attacks on journalists complicate the situation. According to UNESCO, 44 environmental journalists have been killed in the past 15 years. Many others have faced harassment, especially in regions with limited press freedom. This makes it harder to publish meaningful investigations into climate issues. The financial strain on news media further threatens accurate reporting, contributing to a landscape where misinformation can flourish.

Trust in the media is also declining, with only 40% of people reporting they trust news outlets. This lack of faith allows misinformation to seep into public discussions, making it even tougher to make informed decisions about climate policy.

To tackle the climate crisis, we must first resolve the information crisis. As long as false information dominates, both citizens and policymakers will struggle to act effectively. During Brazil’s 2024 G20 presidency, there was an acknowledgment of this issue. Initiatives were launched to improve research and communication surrounding climate information. The G20 should follow this lead and ensure that discussions on climate change include effective strategies to combat misinformation.

This includes protecting journalists and fostering environments where independent reporting can thrive. Solutions need to be found to safeguard journalists from violence and intimidation—a crucial step to ensuring that reliable information is available to the public.

Moreover, the G20 should focus on strengthening trust between citizens and media. A report by the Reuters Institute found that people are looking for credible, independent sources of information about climate issues. Enhancing access to such resources is essential for guiding public discussion.

The upcoming G20 summit in South Africa could be pivotal for addressing the issue of information integrity related to climate change. But this effort should extend beyond just one summit. Reliable information must be a priority in all climate negotiations moving forward.

We need a global environment that promotes factual discussions about climate policy, one where misinformation does not hold sway. Addressing the crisis of information integrity is essential for effective climate action now and in the future.

Katharina Zuegel is the policy director at the Forum on Information & Democracy and a lead author of the M20’s third policy brief. The M20 is an independent initiative aimed at ensuring media integrity is reflected in G20 policy discussions.

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Climate Change,Climate Crisis,Disinformation,fossil fuel industry,G20,thought leader