Tweets, Ads, and Lies: Researchers Are Fighting against Climate Misinformation

Scientists have known for decades that the continued use of fossil fuels, like gas, oil, and coal, is the primary reason for the climate crisis. Global temperatures are soaring due to excessive greenhouse gas emissions, but with urgent, systemic actions, there is still time to make a difference. But how do we ensure people get accurate and scientific information about climate change that can help save the planet? It starts with taking on climate lies.

Boston University researchers have been working to address this challenge through the Data and Misinformation in an Era of Sustainability and Climate Change Crises Focused Research Program cosponsored by the Boston University Hariri Institute and Institute for Global Sustainabilty. They recently shared their findings during a full day research symposium held on May 16th at the Center for Computing & Data Sciences (CDS). The event, titled “Taking on Climate Lies”, took a deep dive into the project’s three main research areas: how climate misinformation permeates social media platforms, in particular Twitter and Reddit; misleading advertising in mainstream media; and language used to sow doubt about the urgency of climate change.

Boston University’s The Brink reports on the research and discussion at “Taking on Climate Lies” here.