# Navigating the sea of misinformation: philanthropy’s role in climate action

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2023/11/30/navigating-the-sea-of-misinformation-philanthropys-role-in-climate-action/
- Published: 2023-11-30T16:39:16+00:00
- Author: Guest Blogger

**In an era where disinformation poses a significant threat to communication and
public trust, philanthropic and charity organisations find it harder and harder 
to land their key messages in a polluted information environment.**

At a recent event, hosted by [ACT Climate Labs](https://www.actclimatelabs.org/),
key figures from the philanthropic and charity sector gathered to address the pressing
issue of misinformation and its impact on climate-related initiatives.

The event emphasised the need for adaptation in communication strategies and the
use of advertising to counteract the spread of misinformation, particularly in the
context of fundraising efforts, critical missions and public support.

## Advertisement

The panel, consisting of Hirra Khan Adeogun (Co-Director, **Possible**), Louise 
Brown (Supporter Relations Coordinator, **Friends of the Earth**), Christopher Hammond(
Chief Executive, **UK100**), and Harriet Kingaby (Head of **ACT Climate Labs**),
offered insights into the challenges faced by NGOs in an era dominated by disinformation.

Jake Dubbins, Managing Director of **Media **Bounty, chaired the event.

## Global impact of misinformation

The discussion opened with a stark observation on the global impact of misinformation.

With two billion people globally heading to the polls in upcoming democratic elections
next year, the threat of misinformation undermining these processes was highlighted.
The panel stressed the urgent need for addressing misinformation, citing the Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) [acknowledgment that misinformation](https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/mar/07/climate-solutions-big-oil-ipcc-report)
is a significant barrier to timely climate action.

Recent polling data revealed a significant gap between public perception and the
reality of climate change and preparedness for its impacts. [Only 5% of Brits](https://www.local.gov.uk/about/news/brits-do-not-feel-prepared-climate-change-warn-councils)
feel adequately prepared for the consequences of climate change, highlighting the
urgent need for effective communication strategies to bridge this awareness gap.

## Challenges at local council level

Christopher Hammond, representing UK100, a coalition of 110 councils committed to
achieving net-zero emissions, shed light on the challenges faced at the local council
levels.

While councils are often trusted institutions, misinformation campaigns, ranging
from leaflets to death threats, have become widespread. Hammond expressed concern
that the growth of myths and disinformation is hindering local climate initiatives,
creating a ripple effect of fear and hesitation among councils.

The impact of misinformation on organisations was further explored by Harriet Kingaby
at ACT Climate Labs. She highlighted the wide-ranging consequences of misinformation,
from inhibiting political leadership to affecting the mental well-being of frontline
staff. The panel agreed that misinformation not only undermines public trust but
also poses a substantial obstacle to achieving the necessary social and political
changes.

![Photo of discussion panel seated in front of a screen with 'ACT' on it. Taken 
from the rear of a room with delegates sitting in rows. Left to right_Louise Brown(
Supporter Relations Coordinator, Friends of the Earth), Christopher Hammond (Chief
Executive, UK100), Hirra Khan Adeogun (Co-Director, Possible), Harriet Kingaby (
Head of ACT Climate Labs), Jake Dubbins, Managing Director of Media Bounty](https://
wfay6x.infiniteuploads.cloud/2023/11/ACT-Misinformation-Panel.738.jpeg)

Left to right: Louise Brown (Supporter Relations Coordinator, Friends of the Earth),
Christopher Hammond (Chief Executive, UK100), Hirra Khan Adeogun (Co-Director, Possible),
Harriet Kingaby (Head of ACT Climate Labs), Jake Dubbins, Managing Director of Media
Bounty

## Era of misinformation needs different media strategies

She also stressed that NGOs needed to change their media strategies in an era of
misinformation. Strategies which currently rely on PR and their own social media
channels are no longer enough when faced with a hostile press environment and social
media platforms rife with misinformation. NGOs must additionally invest in advertising
campaigns (and not rely solely on social media) that leverage trusted influencers
and advertising methods to change narratives.

The discussion then turned to practical solutions, with the emphasis on the role
of philanthropy and charity organisations in mitigating the impact of misinformation.
The panellists stressed the importance of supporting political leaders and providing
them with the necessary tools, inspiration and language to navigate the complex 
landscape of climate action. The need for a collective effort, including legislative
measures on social media platforms, was underscored as a crucial step toward combating
misinformation effectively.

## Challenges faced by NGOs

The challenges faced by NGOs like Possible and Friends of the Earth were articulated
by Hirra Khan Adeogun and Louise Brown. Adeogun highlighted the difficulty in conveying
complex climate solutions to the public and the persistent misinformation campaigns
on social media.

Organisations, such as Possible, faced personalised attacks on social media platforms,
contributing to the spread of false narratives and making it difficult to convey
evidence-based climate solutions. The panel shared instances of climate activists,
such as Vanessa Nakate, facing relentless bullying and intimidation on social media.
This highlights the urgent need to address online harassment and protect those on
the front lines of climate action.

## NGOs dealing with trolling and negative responses on social media

Louise Brown from Friends of the Earth shared the challenges faced by supporter 
relations teams dealing with a barrage of negative comments on social media. The
impact on team morale and wellbeing, coupled with the need for safeguarding measures,
poses significant concerns for organisations engaging with the public.

The event wrapped up with a call for a concerted effort to support political leaders,
rethink communication strategies and address misinformation at its root. The philanthropic
and charity sector was urged to play a pivotal role in fostering resilience against
misinformation, ensuring that climate initiatives are not derailed by a gap between
public perception and the urgent reality of the climate crisis.

![Photo of discussion panel seated in front of a screen with 'ACT' on it. Taken 
from the rear of a room with delegates sitting in rows. Left to right_Louise Brown(
Supporter Relations Coordinator, Friends of the Earth), Christopher Hammond (Chief
Executive, UK100), Hirra Khan Adeogun (Co-Director, Possible), Harriet Kingaby (
Head of ACT Climate Labs), Jake Dubbins, Managing Director of Media Bounty](https://
wfay6x.infiniteuploads.cloud/2023/11/ACT-Misinformation-Panel.732.jpeg)

Left to right: Louise Brown (Supporter Relations Coordinator, Friends of the Earth),
Christopher Hammond (Chief Executive, UK100), Hirra Khan Adeogun (Co-Director, Possible),
Harriet Kingaby (Head of ACT Climate Labs), Jake Dubbins, Managing Director of Media
Bounty

In navigating the sea of misinformation, the ACT Climate Labs event laid the groundwork
for collaboration and action, emphasising the critical role of philanthropy in countering
misinformation and restoring public trust in climate-related efforts. The disconnect
between scientific jargon and public understanding contributes to the spread of 
misinformation, necessitates a shift toward clearer and more accessible communication
strategies.

By navigating the complexities of misinformation, philanthropic organisations can
fortify their missions, restore public trust and contribute to meaningful progress
on global issues, particularly the climate crisis.

##  Navigating the future: mitigating challenges

Addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by misinformation requires a strategic
and collaborative approach from philanthropic and charity organisations:

 1. **Legislation and Social Media Responsibility**: Panellists emphasised the need
    for legislation to regulate social media platforms and curb the spread of misinformation.
    Drawing parallels with the call for AI regulation, there was a consensus that legislative
    measures are essential to safeguard democratic processes and public discourse.
 2. **Supporting Political Leadership**: Acknowledging the loss of political capital
    and courage resulting from misinformation campaigns, the importance of providing
    comprehensive support to political leaders was emphasised. This support extends
    beyond institutional measures to include mental well-being and public affirmation
    for leaders championing climate action.
 3. Organisations like UK100 stressed the need for a change in thinking in engaging
    local governments. This involves providing practical tools, inspiration, and support
    tailored to the time constraints of part-time councillors. Clear and accessible
    communication strategies can aid in conveying the benefits of climate interventions
    without contributing to misinformation.
 4. **Prioritise Persuadable audiences**: As a key demographic to influence ‘Persuadables’–
    account for [roughly 69% of the UK population](https://mediabounty.com/beyond-the-climate-bubble/)
    who are neither climate deniers nor climate activists. Expand communication strategies
    and campaigns to include this untapped audience and engage and inform this group
    effectively where they are and in language they respond to.
 5. By investing in research and outreach campaigns tailored to Persuadables, philanthropy
    can help shift public perception on critical issues. This approach aligns with 
    the principles outlined in the [ACT Climate Labs advertising guide](https://www.actclimatelabs.org/overcome-fear-advertising-above-the-line/),
    emphasising the importance of strategic messaging and audience segmentation.
 6. **Collective Action and Public Support**: The panellists emphasised the significance
    of collective action and public support. Philanthropic organisations can play a
    pivotal role in mobilising support for leaders committed to climate action. Celebrating
    positive initiatives, amplifying public endorsements, and fostering a sense of 
    community engagement are essential components of combating misinformation.

![](https://wfay6x.infiniteuploads.cloud/2023/11/kathryn-bonner.png)

_**Kathryn Bonner** joined ACT Climate Labs as Account & Partnerships Manager in
2021 where she works with the team to supercharge the effectiveness of climate communications
through advertising._

_[ACT Climate Labs](http://www.actclimatelabs.org) is a group of advertising and
climate experts who understand how misinformation undermines climate crisis communications.
It aims to supercharge the effectiveness of climate communications using advertising
to make climate action mainstream._

_ACT is a collaboration between ethical advertising agency Media Bounty, seasoned
climate campaigners, disinformation researchers, measurement experts and journalists–
as well as over 200+ members from across the climate, NGO, cultural and sporting
sectors._

_[Follow ACT](http://linkedin.com/company/act-climate-labs) on LinkedIn. _

 * **[Genuine transparency & trust](https://fundraising.co.uk/2008/09/12/genuine-transparency-amp-trust/)**(
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 * **[Charities should trust volunteers’ fundraising expertise](https://fundraising.co.uk/2014/11/08/charities-trust-volunteers-fundraising-expertise/)**(
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 * **[OSCR survey shows strong support for charities in Scotland](https://fundraising.co.uk/2016/06/30/oscr-survey-shows-strong-support-charities-scotland/)**(
   30 June 2016)