The Emerging Problem of Climate Trolls

Today, social media is flooded with a wide range of narratives. When it comes to climate-related issues, the landscape is no different; various users and groups are actively fighting to combat climate change, while others promote climate denial or skepticism.

The Many Faces of Climate Misinformation and Disinformation

Before diving into the growing issue of trolls spreading disinformation, it is important to understand the types of climate disinformation and misinformation that exist. These include climate denial, climate delay, greenwashing, and climate conspiracy narratives. This article primarily focuses on climate delay and climate conspiracy.

Climate delay acknowledges the reality of climate change but argues there is no urgent need for action. Some delayers claim that current climate policies are too expensive or disruptive. In some ways, climate delay may appear more reasonable than outright denial, particularly when it comes to shaping public opinion.

Climate conspiracy narratives, on the other hand, spread the idea that those advocating for climate action are part of a broader or even hidden agenda. These narratives undermine trust in science and institutions. It is important to note, however, that greenwashing and climate denial remain equally significant and deserve as much scrutiny as the narratives this article explores in greater depth.

The Trolls' Focus

The International Panel on the Information Environment (IPIE) reviewed approximately 300 studies on climate denialism. They found that climate denial is not only propagated by online trolls but also by nation-states, right-wing politicians, and fossil fuel companies. According to the study, climate trolls have shifted strategies, from denying climate change outright to attacking the solutions proposed to address it.

For instance, following a blackout in Spain, climate deniers falsely claimed that renewable energy was to blame. These trolls not only promote climate denial but also target political leaders, civil servants, and other key figures to stall climate action.

The Importance of Accurate Information

“If we do not have the right information available, how are we going to vote for the right causes and politicians? And how are politicians going to translate the clear evidence into necessary action? Unfortunately, I think the [bad actors] are still very, very active, and probably have the upper hand now.”

 — Dr. Klaus Jensen, co-leader of the IPIE review, University of Copenhagen

This statement from Klaus Jensen captures the essence of the problem: disinformation disrupts our ability to make informed decisions. His core message is that we must collectively work to ensure accurate, accessible information. Jensen also warned that failing to do so could jeopardize the 2050 climate goals, making an already critical situation even worse.

Climate Disinformation in a Broader Context

Climate disinformation extends beyond social media and involves powerful global actors. Former United States President Donald Trump has famously called climate science “bullshit” and “a giant hoax.” These baseless claims have been amplified by online bots to mislead the public.

Russia has also been implicated, with its intelligence services reportedly using troll farms to spread climate-related disinformation. According to Jensen, the problem goes deeper than social platforms: conservative think tanks and industrial alliances have also been strategically targeting decision-makers.

Addressing climate disinformation requires real action. The European Union Digital Services Act represents a key step in this direction, though its real-world impact remains limited. The European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) has highlighted a troubling gap between platforms' public promises to combat disinformation and the actual, verifiable measures taken. Without strict enforcement, these initiatives risk being largely symbolic. Jensen further emphasizes that research on disinformation is still disproportionately focused on the English-speaking world. More studies are urgently needed in other regions, particularly in areas such as Africa.

Ultimately, the fight against climate disinformation and misinformation must involve everyone, from individuals and researchers to governments and non-governmental organizations. Whether it is bots, politicians, or organizations spreading falsehoods, we must all be equipped with the tools to push back.