Online wave of climate change denial tries to undermine green solutions, study says

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Financial Times or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: A recent study analyzing over 12,000 videos reveals a surge in "new denial" of climate change, shifting from outright denial to undermining confidence in green energy and climate science
• This form of denial, prevalent on platforms like YouTube, accounts for 70% of climate change falsehoods, receiving over 325 million views.

🔭 The context: Led by Travis Coan from Exeter University, the study highlights a transition from traditional climate denial tactics to new strategies
• These include downplaying the severity of global warming, questioning the reliability of climate science, and doubting the efficacy of climate solutions
• The study also identifies specific misinformation spread by entities like TheBlaze and the Heartland Institute.

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: This evolution in climate change denial poses a significant challenge for environmental efforts
•  By undermining the efficacy of renewable energy and the credibility of climate science, these narratives could delay essential actions needed to mitigate climate impacts and transition to sustainable energy sources.

⏭️ What's next: The study suggests a need for more effective communication from institutional and government leaders on climate mitigation. It also highlights the ongoing challenges platforms like YouTube face in curbing the spread of climate misinformation, despite policies against climate denial content

💬 One quote: "The study showed institutional and government leaders needed to communicate more effectively on how to mitigate the effects of climate change," said Imran Ahmed, CCDH chief executive.

📈 One stat: Videos containing climate denial claims were viewed over 325 million times.

Click for more news covering the latest on climate change