Disinformation related to climate change is not an abstract threat – it is deliberate, organised, and highly impactful effort that distorts public understanding, undermines democratic discourse, and delays climate action. These tactics erode trust in institutions and obstruct evidence-based policymaking.
Comms Declare submits that urgent reforms are needed to address the risks posed by dis- and misinformation as it relates to climate.
The following measures aim to support a more informed electorate and help ensure that climate policies are grounded in evidence and reflect the urgency and scale of the crisis. This is especially vital as more than three in four Australians recognise the reality of climate change. The following recommendations include:
- Passing Federal Truth in Political Advertising laws
- Reviewing and increasing transparency around third-party election advertising
- Mandating a base level of transparency for advertising across all digital platforms, and
- Banning advertising and sponsorships by fossil fuel interests.
Comms Declare – Select Committee on Information Integrity on Climate Change and Energy