Climate disinfo is rising
A major review by former defense leaders warns that coordinated fossil‑fuel climate disinformation is undermining public support for urgent climate action — a problem organizers now face when mobilizing rural or newcomer communities. The findings suggest climate campaigns must include media literacy and counter‑messaging strategies alongside policy demands. (abc.net.au)
The Australian Security Leaders Climate Group released a briefing paper titled "The Climate Disinformation War" on 24 March 2026, with retired ADF Admiral Chris Barrie, retired Colonel Neil Greet and intelligence analyst Anastasia Kapetas listed as lead speakers for the launch. The paper frames anti‑climate propaganda and coordinated campaigns as a national‑security threat that can erode sovereignty, economic resilience, disaster preparedness and strategic autonomy. Key recommendations call for stronger regulation of major digital platforms—including proposals to rebalance market power and, where necessary, consider structural remedies—and for governments to "rebuild accountability for climate information." The Senate Select Committee report "The Integrity Gap: Restoring Trust in the Climate and Energy Debate" published the same week endorses concrete steps such as broadening digital‑literacy in the national curriculum, creating a National Media Literacy Strategy, boosting funding for regional/independent media and establishing independent monitoring of hidden digital influence ecosystems. The ASLCG paper and recent hearings document the tactics and funding behind the campaigns—describing multi‑billion‑dollar anti‑climate networks, algorithmic amplification, unregulated generative AI and astroturfing that has targeted farmers and regional debates. Parliamentary evidence and research notes that migrant and newcomer communities are especially vulnerable because disinformation often spreads in non‑English channels and private messaging groups that fall outside typical platform moderation and public‑facing counter‑messaging.
