Climate Truth Declared! World's First Pact to End Climate Lies & Protect Science

Environment

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Updated on 13 Nov 2025, 10:37 am

At the 30th Conference of Parties (COP30) in Belem, Brazil, a landmark 'declaration on information integrity on climate change' was adopted, marking a significant moment in the fight against climate disinformation. This declaration formally obligates governments to ensure the integrity of public information, safeguard scientists and journalists, and counter the deliberate spread of false narratives that undermine climate action. Championed by Brazil and a coalition of countries including Canada, Chile, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Spain, Sweden, and Uruguay, it represents a collective acknowledgment that the information crisis is now intrinsically linked to the climate crisis. Signatories commit to promoting transparent communication, investing in media literacy, and collaborating to make climate data accessible, credible, and protected from distortion. UN under-secretary-general Melissa Fleming hailed it as a 'historic step' where 'truth itself is now part of climate action.' The move follows increasing evidence of organized disinformation campaigns and warnings from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres about the 'pollution of the information ecosystem.'

Impact This declaration is expected to have a significant impact on global climate governance, often called the 'fourth pillar' alongside mitigation, adaptation, and finance. It will likely influence how future climate negotiations handle public information and increase accountability for corporate climate claims. Companies engaging in greenwashing or spreading misleading information may face greater scrutiny and potential regulatory consequences. The declaration promotes a future where truth and trust are foundational to climate solutions, impacting corporate ethics and investor confidence in sustainability narratives. Rating: 7/10

Difficult Terms Declaration on information integrity on climate change: An official global agreement where countries pledge to ensure that information shared about climate change is truthful, accurate, and protected. Climate disinformation: Intentionally false or misleading information spread to deceive people about climate change, its causes, effects, or solutions. Greenwashing: A marketing tactic where companies falsely present their products, services, or policies as environmentally friendly. Astroturf movements: Campaigns that appear to be spontaneous public uprisings but are secretly funded and controlled by corporations or special interest groups. Fossil fuel interests: Companies and organizations that benefit from the extraction and sale of coal, oil, and natural gas, and may oppose climate action. Net zero: Achieving a balance between the greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere and those removed from it, effectively stopping human-caused warming. Global Stocktake: A process under the Paris Agreement where countries periodically assess their collective progress towards climate goals. Transparency Framework: Rules and procedures established to ensure clarity and openness in how countries report their climate actions and emissions.