How do we navigate climate disinformation online?

From blatant greenwashing on TikTok to influencers spreading misinformation, it's tricky terrain.
 By 
Teodosia Dobriyanova
 on 
An illustration shows the silhouette of a man hypnotised by his phone. Around him, the background is full of smartphones with bright screens reading FAKE, thumbs up and heart reactions, chat and email inboxes.
Watch Next

From quick hits to deep dives, this Mashable series cuts through the noise to explain what on Earth is going on and what you should know about it.


Since the emergence of social media, the spread of climate mis- and disinformation has been evolving dramatically. From TikTok greenwashing strategies by oil giants, to wellness influencers spreading disinformation, the internet seems to be the mecca of fake news. But what's behind climate disinformation's shifting tactics? And how can you navigate it?

During Generation Hope: Act for the Planet at London's Natural History Museum, Mashable talked to scientists Dr. Erica McAlister, disinformation researcher Jennie King, and climate activist Disha Ravi, to trace the evolution of climate disinformation.

Topics Social Good

Picture of Teodosia
Teodosia Dobriyanova
Video Producer

Teodosia is a video producer at Mashable UK, focussing on stories about climate resilience, urban development, and social good.


More from Mashable Now
Visible from space, a mega iceberg could be on a collision course
A collage shows penguins, seals, a satellite image and a a drone photo of the A23a iceberg.

How a digital tool brought Notre-Dame back to life in record time
Against a blue grid background,  3D digital twin of Notre-Dame is placed next to an image of the completed building

A wounded sea turtle swims again thanks to 3D printed harness
Photograph shows Charlotte the sea turtle swimming under water after she's been fit with the 3D-printed harness

F1 racer takes life-size Lego car for a spin
Two McLaren P1s appear to be racing each other – the Lego-made version on the front and the original at the back. Caption reads: "Lego Racer"

Land, air, and space footage captures the surging Hurricane Milton
Satellite footage captures Hurricane Milton as is brews near Florida's West Coast

Latest Videos
What Is the Best Stephen King Movie Adaptation Ever?
(from left) Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrence in 'The Shining', Christopher Walken as Johnny Smith in 'The Dead Zone', Matthew Lillard as Gus in 'The Life of Chuck', Corey Feldman, Jerry O'Connell, River Phoenix, and Will Wheaton in 'Stand By Me'.

Adam Conover on sex, millennial disillusionment, and 'Big Divorce Energy'
By Kristy Puchko and Warren Shaw
Adam Conover on the Say More couch talking about his new comedy special, Big Divorce Energy


Watch: 'Obsession' director Curry Barker returns with unsettling short 'Mama Bear'
A man lies on a couch, with a title card reading "Mama Bear" above him.

'Avatar: Seven Havens' finale: Pavi goes on the run in this exclusive clip
Pavi in "Avatar: Seven Havens."

Inde Navarrette channels 'Obsession' for 'SNL' promo
Two women stand on a stand, looking at each other.

Let’s get touchy with Apple’s first touchscreen MacBook Pro
touchscreen MacBook Pro



How did we get here? The evolution of MLB broadcasts
World Series broadcasts

Apple video shows new MacBook Pro with 'PROLED' display in action
a hip young woman bends over a macbook pro laptop, the glow of the screen illuminating her face