The United Nations launched the Global Initiative for Information Integrity on Climate Change, at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
António Guterres, Secretary-General of the UN, said “this landmark initiative, co-led by the United Nations and UNESCO, aims to strengthen global efforts to address misinformation and disinformation, particularly in critical areas like climate change.”
With disinformation about climate science, policies, and impacts spreading rapidly, the Global Initiative for Information Integrity seeks to enhance cooperation among governments, international organizations, technology platforms, and civil society.
The goal is to protect the integrity of information in the public sphere, ensure that decisions on climate action are based on accurate, reliable, and science-based data.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), are expected to contribute expertise to this initiative by promoting the dissemination of scientifically rigorous information and countering false narratives about climate change.
WMO will work closely with global partners to develop tools and strategies to enhance public understanding of climate science, strengthen early warning systems, and empower communities to make informed decisions.
Celeste Saulo, WMO Secretary-General, said about the initiative, “the spread of climate disinformation undermines global efforts to protect the planet and adapt to its changing climate. WMO is committed to ensuring that everyone, governments, businesses, and individuals, has access to accurate, science-based information. In this age of disinformation, stating the facts is not only a moral imperative but a critical tool for survival.”
Among those joining the Initiative are UN Member States (Chile, Denmark, France, Morocco, Sweden and the United Kingdom have confirmed participation), UN entities (UN Climate Change, WMO), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and civil society representatives.