Transcript:
Scrolling on social media, you may encounter false or misleading posts that question climate science or cast doubt on climate solutions.
Martin: “Misinformation and disinformation is a huge barrier to the public when it comes to understanding the scale, scope, and causes of climate change, … and it stalls real progress.”
So Elyse Martin, manager for Persuasion Research and Campaigns at the Environmental Defense Fund, offers some tips for spotting disinformation.
If you’re unsure about a post, she recommends asking yourself a few basic questions:
Martin: “Do you recognize the source that is being quoted in the post? … If not, does it reference a source that you can easily find?”
If you cannot find a credible source reporting the information, that’s a clear warning sign.
And if the post appears on social media, she says to think about whether or not the person sharing it is actually an expert.
Martin: “It’s very easy, when just mindlessly scrolling, … to like and repost something without taking a second to think, ‘Well, hang on. This beauty influencer I follow is not really a scientist.’”
Taking a moment to check what you read – and where it came from – can help you separate climate fact from fiction.
Reporting credit: Sarah Kennedy / ChavoBart Digital Media
