Disinformation is put in the mainstream with a topic in this year’s “10 New Insights in Climate Science,” written by CSSN Scholars Christian Downie, Jennifer Jacquet, Lluís de Nadal, Ben Franta. Research like this is used to inform the UNFCCC’s Conference of Parties.

“Key messages:

• Climate obstruction refers to intentional efforts to block or slow climate action and policies. These efforts range from outright science denial to more subtle tactics focused on delay, dilution, and distraction.
• High-emissions industries have been found to fund and collude with a wide range of networks to influence media, promote climate mis- and disinformation, and shape public opinion to block climate policy action.
• Legal action is increasingly targeting climate-related disinformation, with dozens of lawsuits filed against major oil and gas companies for historical deception and delay. Legislative efforts to curb obstruction are also emerging.”