Join us to combat climate change misinformation – Ngome Abiaga urges stakeholders

Following the launch of the Declaration on Information Integrity on Climate Change on 12 November 2025, during COP30 in Belem Brazil, and in furtherance of UNESCO Initiative on Information Integrity on Climate Change,  the UNESCO Abuja Head of Office and Representative (a.i), Mr Jean-Paul Ngome Abiaga, has called on the media and other stakeholders to join hands with UNESCO in addressing misinformation on climate change.

“Addressing misinformation, particularly on climate change, requires the collective strength of journalists, civil society, organizations, community leaders, youth groups, religious leaders, traditional institutions, and development actors. Each of you plays a crucial role in ensuring that accurate, reliable, and responsible information shapes public discourse and inspires informed decision-making.” He said at the opening of a two-day workshop on ‘Digital Transformation of the Climate Change Information Ecosystem for a Knowledge-Driven Society’, held on 3 – 4 December 2025, in Lagos.

The workshop organised by UNESCO Abuja office in collaboration with Media Awareness and Information For All Network (MAIN), was attended by representatives of the media, factcheckers, civil society organisations, youth groups, academia and community leaders.

Ngome Abiaga, represented by Ms Yachat Nuhu, noted that across cross the continent, we have witnessed how climate-related misinformation has fuelled denial, delayed policy action, eroded trust in scientific evidence, and deepened community vulnerabilities.

According to him, “In many cases, misinformation spreads faster than corrective facts — creating real-world consequences for communities, especially those already grappling with environmental and socio-economic pressures.”

In his presentation titled, “Interrogating Climate Change Myths and Misinformation and the Pathways to Ensuring Behavioural Change”, the National Information Officer of the UN Information Centre (UNIC), Dr Oluseyi Soremekun, noted that Climate change myths and misinformation have become significant barriers to global efforts aimed at mitigating environmental challenges.

These misconceptions, he explained, have often stemmed from misunderstanding scientific data, deliberate distortion by vested interests, and the rapid spread of false narratives through digital platforms.

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“Myths undermine public trust in scientific consensus and create confusion among policymakers and citizens. Understanding these myths is crucial because they influence attitudes, behaviors, and policy decisions”. Soremekun said, “When individuals believe inaccurate information, they are less likely to support climate-friendly initiatives or adopt sustainable practices.”

The UNIC National Information Officer called for clear communication of scientific facts, contextualizing data to avoid misinterpretation, and highlighting the overwhelming consensus among climate scientists.

“By debunking these myths, we can restore trust in science and encourage proactive engagement in climate solutions.” He added.

Speaking on ‘Strengthening Climate Change Education for a Resilient and Sustainable Future’ the Executive Director, SBZ Development Ltd, USA, Dr Samuel Babatunde, acknowledged that escalation climate change impact globally, and noted the importance of climate education as a veritable foundation for community resilience.

“As education increases, climate change resilience gets stronger. Climate literacy leads to climate action which will lead to resilient outcomes such as stronger food systems, reduced emissions, lower displacement, and green economic growth.” He said.  

A Consultant on Public Health, Dr Oluwamayomikun Soremekun, underscored the impact of climate change on health. He explained that climate change could increase heat-related illnesses, worsen air quality (asthma, lung issues), alter infectious disease patterns (malaria fever and dengue fever), threaten food/water security (cholera) and impact mental health.

He identified extreme weather like storms, heatwaves, floods, and wildfires as capable of disrupting basic needs like clean air, safe water, and food, creating new health challenges and exacerbating existing ones globally. 

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Earlier, the Chairman of MAIN, Professor Jide Jimoh, explained that the workshop was hinged on Media and Information Literacy principles to bridge the gap between scientific understanding of climate change and community perceptions shaped by cultural beliefs and myths.

According to him, in many communities, deeply rooted cultural beliefs and local myths often shape perceptions of environmental change, leading to skepticism or outright denial of climate change. Some attribute extreme weather events or shifting agricultural patterns to spiritual forces, ancestral displeasure, or cyclical natural phenomena rather than human-induced climate disruption.

This disconnects between scientific evidence and traditional worldviews, Prof Jimoh explained, has fostered misgivings about climate change claims, with many not recognizing its tangible impacts on their health, food security, and livelihoods. As a result, efforts to promote climate resilience and adaptation based on scientific facts are facing resistance by conspiracy theorists, the effect of which has trickled down to the general population.

“By fostering dialogue between stakeholders, the workshop seeks to build trust, dispel misinformation, and promote culturally grounded climate literacy that empowers communities to recognize and respond to climate-related health and livelihood impacts.” He noted.