‘Hybrid weapon of war’: Why climate disinformation could be a growing public health threat

A new report, 'Protecting Health in the Age of Climate Disinformation,' urges member states to view climate disinformation as a public health concern. The report, produced by the WHO Civil Society Working Group on Climate and Health, argues that information integrity must become a core component of climate and health policy, preparedness, and response.

Climate disinformation, distinct from climate misinformation, involves the intentional dissemination of false or misleading information about climate change, including conspiracy theories and outright denial of global warming. Such misinformation can undermine emergency warnings, public health guidance, and policies on air pollution, clean energy, and fossil fuels.

The report highlights case studies, such as the Maui wildfires, where false claims about FEMA seizing land and property discouraged residents from seeking aid, creating a situation where misinformation directly obstructed access to life-saving support. In Europe, misleading narratives targeting clean air policies, like low-emission zones, have been distorted by misinformation, amplifying concerns about affordability and implementation.

The report emphasizes that governments must integrate disinformation response tools into their climate and health strategies, addressing conflicts of interest, power structures, and power dynamics enabling the spread of climate disinformation.