misinformation
AI-driven misinformation on climate change is a growing threat
AI tools like Bard and ChatGPT have been found to generate and spread climate change misinformation, raising concerns about their potential impact on public opinion.
In short:
- Studies show that AI tools like Bard and ChatGPT can fabricate climate misinformation, making it harder to distinguish real science from fake.
- AI-generated misinformation can be spread via synthetic media, social bots, and algorithms that tailor content based on users’ biases.
- Researchers are developing AI tools to counter misinformation, but they face challenges such as “hallucinations” and the rapid pace of AI advancement.
Key quote:
“ ... researchers have suggested that AI is being used to emotionally profile audiences to optimize content for political gain.”
— Asheley R. Landrum, associate professor at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication and a senior global futures scientist at Arizona State University
Why this matters:
AI-generated climate misinformation threatens to undermine trust in science. Its ability to spread rapidly and persuasively, especially on social media, makes it a significant challenge for combating climate disinformation and influencing public policy.
Related: Fossil fuel industry spreads misinformation to hinder global shift to renewable energy
Republicans’ growing distrust in science is a danger to public health
A widening political divide shows Republicans increasingly losing faith in science, raising concerns about the public health impacts of this skepticism, especially as misinformation about vaccines and climate change spreads.
In short:
- Republican distrust in science has surged from 14% in 2020 to 38% in 2023, while Democrats’ confidence has remained relatively stable.
- Misinformation, amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic, has fueled skepticism of vaccines, climate change, and public health measures.
- Political identity, particularly within the MAGA movement, plays a crucial role in shaping these views, exacerbating the partisan gap.
Key quote:
“Americans died because they had read or heard that mRNA vaccines were more dangerous than a bout of Covid.”
— Matthew Dallek, political historian at George Washington University
Why this matters:
Science should be society’s best way of understanding the world, not a pawn in our political battles. The more we politicize it, the more we open the door for denialism to creep in, leaving us all worse off—environmentally and in terms of public health. Read more: America re-discovers anti-science in its midst.
Solar energy debate in Louisiana reveals misleading claims by lawmakers
A Louisiana legislative hearing on solar energy featured several misleading claims, including exaggerations about the impact of federal subsidies and the costs of renewable energy.
In short:
- Louisiana's Agriculture Commissioner inaccurately claimed that federal subsidies heavily favor renewables over fossil fuels in the state.
- Claims that solar and wind industries would collapse without subsidies were refuted by economists, who noted solar power is already the cheapest form of energy.
- Assertions that solar farms threaten Louisiana's agriculture lacked evidence, with experts emphasizing solar's minimal land use.
Why this matters:
Misinformation about renewable energy can hinder Louisiana's progress toward a sustainable energy future, impacting policy decisions and public opinion.
Related EHN coverage:
Fossil fuel industry spreads misinformation to hinder global shift to renewable energy
Fossil fuel companies are actively spreading misinformation to delay the global shift to renewable energy, according to the UN, which warns that such tactics are creating a false perception of backlash against climate policies.
In short:
- The UN states that fossil fuel companies are misleading the public to slow down the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
- A global survey shows that 72% of people support a quick transition to renewable energy, despite claims of resistance.
- The UN urges countries to develop transparent national plans for emissions reductions and involve diverse societal groups in their formation.
Key quote:
“There is this prevailing narrative—and a lot of it is being pushed by the fossil fuel industry and their enablers—that climate action is too difficult, it’s too expensive.”
— Selwin Hart, UN assistant secretary-general
Why this matters:
Fossil fuel companies’ misinformation campaigns undermine efforts to combat climate change. By delaying action, these tactics contribute to worsening climate impacts that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, increasing the urgency for accurate information and decisive policy action.
Alberta's energy 'war room' collapses amid new federal ad rules
Alberta's Canadian Energy Centre, created to counter green energy narratives, has shut down due to impending federal regulations on oil industry advertising.
In short:
- The Canadian Energy Centre, launched in 2019, aimed to rebut criticisms of Alberta's oil industry but faced multiple public embarrassments and credibility issues.
- Funded by oil and gas companies through Alberta's carbon pricing program, the Centre was required to register as a foreign agent in the U.S.
- New federal requirements for accuracy in oil advertising led to the Centre's abrupt closure before the regulations took effect.
Key quote:
“You’d have been forgiven for wondering if the sole mission of the [the war room] was to make every other government expenditure seem like a bargain.”
— Andrew Leach, Alberta Energy economist
Why this matters:
The closure highlights the growing impact of regulatory measures on misleading advertising and underscores the challenges Alberta faces in transitioning from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources.
Related EHN coverage:
Many congressional Republicans still deny climate science
An analysis reveals that 123 Republican lawmakers in Congress deny human-caused climate change despite declining numbers from previous years.
In short:
- The Center for American Progress found 123 House and Senate Republicans deny the scientific consensus on climate change.
- This group includes prominent leaders like House Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise.
- Despite the reduction in numbers, these members have collectively received $52 million from the fossil fuel industry.
Key quote:
“It's also concerning because it’s so obvious what the facts are, and to watch so many members of Congress pretend that the science is not settled, it just reveals a willingness to disregard truth.”
— Trevor Higgins, senior vice president for energy and environment, Center for American Progress
Why this matters:
Lawmakers denying climate science hinder efforts to address climate change effectively. Their significant influence and funding from fossil fuel interests could stall crucial policy actions needed to mitigate environmental impacts.
Trump falsely claims Biden's climate policies will weaken the military
Donald Trump claims that President Biden's climate policies, including electric tanks and sustainable fuel jets, will weaken U.S. military power, despite the Pentagon's plans to address climate change without compromising military effectiveness.
In short:
- Trump has criticized Biden's climate policies, claiming they will reduce military efficiency and effectiveness.
- The U.S. military has plans to reduce carbon emissions and explore sustainable fuels while maintaining operational capabilities.
- Experts argue that electric and hybrid military vehicles offer battlefield advantages and reduce logistical challenges.
Key quote:
“It is not the goal to fail, the goal is to succeed... to have stuff that works well, that provides operational advantages, and also reduces environmental impact.”
— John Conger, director emeritus of the Center for Climate and Security and senior adviser to the Council on Strategic Risks
Why this matters:
Critics argue that Trump's comments overlook the long-term benefits of sustainable military technologies. Electric vehicles and alternative fuels could enhance operational flexibility and resilience, reducing vulnerabilities associated with fuel supply chains. In addition, advancements in green technology are poised to maintain, if not enhance, the military's combat capabilities.