Press Freedom celebrated globally on World Press Freedom Day in 2024

The world is currently facing a triple planetary crisis consisting of climate change, biodiversity loss, and air pollution. In this critical moment, disinformation and misinformation campaigns are spreading falsehoods and challenging the validity of scientific research methods. This poses a serious threat to informed public debate and the efforts to address these pressing environmental issues.

Misleading and false information about climate change can create doubt and incredulity among the public, undermining international efforts to combat environmental challenges. This can result in a lack of support for climate action, effective policies, and the protection of vulnerable communities impacted by climate change, as well as exacerbating existing inequalities, particularly affecting women and girls.

In response to the flood of disinformation in the digital ecosystem, UNESCO introduced the Guidelines for the governance of digital platforms in November 2023. These guidelines aim to empower stakeholders to implement governance systems that promote freedom of expression while addressing the negative effects of misinformation. By adhering to these guidelines, it is hoped that the spread of false information can be minimized, allowing for more informed and productive discussions about environmental issues.