Deny, Deceive, Delay Vol. 3: Climate Information Integrity ahead of COP28

Publication date: 29 November 2023

Deny, Deceive, Delay Vol. 3’s Methodology is available here. 

On the eve of COP28, this report presents four case studies that unpack the evolving ecosystem for climate mis- and disinformation online. Analysis includes distinct spotlights on actors invested in the Carbon Economy (e.g. fossil fuel companies), those profiting from the Outrage Economy (e.g. commercial disinformers), and the State actors who exploit this chaos for their own gain. It shows the complexity of an environment where professionalised lobbyists with billions of dollars at their disposal sit alongside keyboard contrarians chasing the limelight and nations playing games of geopolitical chess.

The potential responses are diverse and well within our grasp, but require us to remove the incentive structures for spreading false, misleading and divisive content. In the curated environments of social media, freedom of speech must be distinct from freedom of reach, and companies should optimise their products for safety over mere engagement. For that to happen, we must first recognise the threat of mis- and disinformation for what it is: a barrier to cohesion, to action, and to a liveable future for all.