Digital tools for capacity building, a tangible support for citizens to tackle climate disinformation and be more resilient

Misinformation and disinformation present significant barriers to addressing climate change and effectively communicating risks. While misinformation refers to false or inaccurate information shared without intent to mislead, disinformation involves deliberately false narratives designed to deceive and manipulate. Both phenomena distort public perception, erode trust in scientific and institutional sources, and delay critical action. When people encounter conflicting or false information, they may struggle to discern credible guidance, making them less likely to act appropriately. Furthermore, both phenomena can polarize public opinion, making collective action more difficult. To counter them, it is essential to provide clear, reliable, and timely information while promoting media literacy.

Effective communication must proactively address false narratives while promoting clear, evidence-based messaging that empowers informed decision-making. The empowerment of citizens' role is closely linked to strengthening citizen resilience against climate change disinformation, which is one of the main focuses of the Adaptation AGORA project. Adaptation AGORA supports the overall objectives of the Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change by advancing best practices, innovative approaches, policy instruments and governance mechanisms. These efforts aim to effectively engage communities and regions in climate actions, accelerating and upscaling adaptation processes for building a climate resilient Europe.

In this framework, the project developed a "Digital AGORA", as an integrated discussion and learning space, a living environment co-designed with stakeholders. This resource hub hosts two “Digital Academies” to support citizens and stakeholders to access open-source climate data for adaptation and tackle climate change disinformation.

The AGORA Digital Academy against Climate Change Disinformation is designed to equip participants with reliable, fact-checked data and information from credible sources, enhancing their critical thinking and their ability to counter misleading narratives. Furthermore, the project has been developing a mobile app to tackle climate disinformation. The gamified mobile app aims to support the education of citizens on climate change adaptation and counter disinformation campaigns through an entertaining and engaging approach. The app will be officially released in April 2025. 

The Academy emphasizes improving media literacy and critical thinking skills among citizens, policymakers, and other stakeholders. Through interactive training modules and educational materials, participants gain the tools needed to identify and address the spread of disinformation. Using interactive tools, workshops, and adaptable communication frameworks, they are equipped to apply these skills in their own communities, ensuring that solutions are both actionable and relevant.

This presentation will focus on the AGORA Digital Academy against Climate Change Disinformation as a case study, illustrating its efforts to tackle the growing challenge of disinformation. Drawing on experiences from pilot regions, it will explore effective practices and key takeaways, with a focus on challenges such as cognitive biases, the role of media and enhancing media literacy, and socio-political dynamics.

By emphasizing inclusivity and collaborative approaches, the Adaptation AGORA project demonstrates the power of community engagement in combating misinformation. This session will present innovative tools and methods developed by the AGORA team to support informed decision-making and build resilience against climate disinformation.