Better digital literacy can help combat the spread of climate conspiracy theories during natural disasters.
Climate misinformation is spreading rapidly during disasters, hampering relief efforts and creating division. Recent hurricanes and wildfires have triggered waves of false claims online, according to researchers specializing in climate change communication.
During the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, social media platforms were flooded with conspiracy theories claiming Hurricanes Helene and Milton were “geo-engineered” and deliberately targeted at Republican-leaning areas. These false narratives created confusion and interfered with recovery operations.
Similar patterns emerged during the Los Angeles wildfires, with rumours and half-truths circulating widely online.
In Canada, conspiracy theorists blamed “green terrorists” for increasing wildfire activity. During the 2024 Jasper wildfire, some users on X (formerly Twitter) even claimed the disaster was part of a plot by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to control Alberta residents.
These conspiracy theories have become a mainstream form of climate change denial, creating significant challenges for scientists and communicators.
Several psychological factors contribute to the belief in climate conspiracy theories. Research shows that people tend to accept information that aligns with their existing beliefs and identities, while rejecting evidence that contradicts them.
From a political perspective, right-wing populism often portrays climate action as an agenda forced by “elites” against the will of ordinary people. This framing deepens divisions along ideological lines.
Such conspiracy theories make it more difficult for people to distinguish between reliable and unreliable information sources. They damage public trust in scientists and scientific evidence, blocking acceptance of climate science and climate action. The resulting distrust in institutions makes it more challenging to collaborate on climate solutions.
Both Canada and the United States show similar patterns in how political views affect climate beliefs and trust in information sources. In Canada, regional differences in climate attitudes are closely tied to the interests of the fossil fuel industry. After the 2013 southern Alberta flood, many victims still expressed doubt about climate science and defended the oilsands industry.
Alberta has developed a particularly strong culture of climate skepticism. Research by political scientist Louis Massé shows how regional identity in Alberta has created resistance to climate and sustainability policies.
The fossil fuel sector’s corporate power plays a major role in Canada’s climate denial landscape. Corporate concentration is actually higher in Canada than in the United States, giving companies significant influence to delay government action on climate change.
Climate scientists face two major obstacles when trying to counter conspiracy theories. First, many researchers experience online harassment, trolling, and even death threats when they engage in public discussions. This intimidation reduces their willingness to participate in important conversations.
Second, social media platforms have weakened their fact-checking systems. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently announced the company would end partnerships with third-party fact-checkers in favour of community notes. However, this approach, already used on X, may not effectively stop viral misinformation.
Platform algorithms may actually be directing users toward conspiracy content. TikTok’s recommendation system has been criticized for promoting conspiracy theories during the Los Angeles wildfires.
Government action is needed to combat climate denial, particularly through strategies that reduce political division and rebuild trust in experts. A recent survey by think tank The Dais found strong public support for government measures to fight online harms, including those caused by false information.
Canada’s proposed Online Harms Act aims to control harmful content but has been criticized for not holding social media companies fully accountable for spreading false information. The bill is still moving through Parliament, with no guarantee of passage.
Government regulation of online content faces both legal and practical challenges, making better digital literacy initiatives increasingly important. Experts suggest that improving digital literacy should be a priority in schools, community centers, and online platforms themselves.
Better digital literacy programs could teach critical thinking skills that help people evaluate the credibility of climate information. These programs would focus on practical skills like identifying reliable sources, understanding scientific methodology, and recognizing common manipulation tactics used in misinformation campaigns.
Communications and climate change experts recommend promoting better digital literacy skills as an immediate solution. Teaching people to cross-check information from multiple sources and be cautious of emotional appeals could help reduce the harmful effects of disaster-related conspiracy theories. Better digital literacy also means understanding how social media algorithms work to promote engaging but potentially misleading content.
See also: Bridging the Climate Literacy Gap in Schools
Climate communicators must find ways to explain climate science simply and clearly. Better digital literacy efforts could include creating accessible educational resources that break down complex climate science concepts for the general public. However, this approach alone won’t solve the problem without addressing online harassment of scientists and improving content moderation on social media platforms.
The spread of climate conspiracy theories during disasters represents a growing threat to both public understanding and effective disaster response. As climate-related events become more frequent and severe, tackling this misinformation through better digital literacy becomes increasingly urgent.
