Conspiracy theories about climate change are shaping Canadian political debates as misinformation spreads online and politicians stoke public fear with claims about government control and environmental policies.
Michelle Cyca reports for The Narwhal.
In short:
- Conservative politicians, such as BC leader John Rustad, have pushed narratives downplaying human-caused climate change, tying environmental policies to threats against individual freedoms.
- Social media platforms amplify misinformation through viral content, while efforts to debunk false claims often make them spread further.
- Experts argue real-world conversations and community engagement can combat misinformation more effectively than online debates.
Key quote:
The disinformation channels that developed during the pandemic “now spring into action after every extreme weather event … it’s as if conspiracy culture has replaced traditional climate denial."
— Naomi Klein, author and professor of climate justice at the University of British Columbia
Why this matters:
Misinformation undermines climate policy and fosters political divides, eroding trust in science and public institutions. As federal elections approach, misinformation could shape policy debates, highlighting the importance of countering false narratives in public discourse.
