Fighting disinformation and effectively communicating on climate change

Expected Outcome:Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:Advanced knowledge and understanding on the dynamics of disinformation affecting climate policy and climate policy backlash from a communication perspective;Tools and products are developed for public authorities, media and civil society to detect and combat the influence and spread of climate change-related disinformation at scale;Tailored, innovative and effective communication techniques, tools and materials are developed, tested and disseminated, to better communicate with and engage citizens on climate change, climate action and climate policies;Acceptance of climate action is increased, democratic processes and societal resilience are strengthened and sustained behavioural change is progressed, through higher trust in climate science and improved climate literacy, supporting the objectives of the Preparedness Union Strategy. Scope:Climate change science is well-established and increasingly relevant to daily life and societal welfare. However, effectively communicating both the science and the necessary climate actions remains a significant challenge. Particularly challenging is understanding and addressing the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and misinterpretation. There is also a crucial need for a strengthened public trust in science and in democracy, and for evidence-based climate communication strategies that foster a sense of agency through empowering and positive narratives. Complex messages should be made accessible, relevant, and reliable to non-specialist audiences.Actions are expected to advance the understanding of the sources, channels, types, and influence of misinformation and disinformation on the public perception and assimilation of climate change-related information. The role of AI should also be investigated. Actions should identify, develop, and test strategies for the public and private sectors to detect, monitor and counteract mi