The federal election campaign is dominated by Australia’s energy and climate wars. Major parties have outlined radically different plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and tackling soaring electricity prices.
During the campaign, false and misleading statements about renewable energy, natural gas, and global warming have been a part of the public discourse.
This is a very dangerous situation. For decades, misinformation in Australia and around the world has slowed down climate action. It creates doubt, hampers decision-making, and undermines public support for solutions.
We explain the history of climate deception in Australia, and we identify three campaigns that are currently active. We will also explain how Australians can guard themselves against misinformation when they go to the polls.
Misinformation vs disinformation
False information is misinformation, which is false information that spreads unintentionally. Misinformation is different from disinformation which is intentionally created to deceive.
It can be difficult to prove intent. The term misinformation can be used to describe any misleading content. However, disinformation should only be used when intent has been proven.
Disinformation is usually part of a coordinated public opinion campaign. These campaigns are often run by corporations, political groups or lobbying organizations.
These false narratives can be taken up by others who will spread them and create misinformation.
Climate change misinformation in Australia
Australia’s emission-reduction goals were among the most aggressive in the 1990s and 1980s.
Around 60 companies at the time were responsible for a third of Australia’s emissions. The government’s plan included measures that would ensure these companies remain competitive while reducing climate impact.
Australia’s resource sector launched a coordinated media campaign in opposition to any binding emission-reduction measures, claiming that it would ruin Australia’s economy by making Australian business uncompetitive.
The narrative continued even though modeling repeatedly showed policies on climate change would have minimal impacts. eventually found its way in government policies.
The momentum against climate action has also been fueled by a vocal group climate-change-denying people and organisations. They are often supported by multinational fossil fuel companies. Deniers claimed that climate change was not happening, caused by natural cycles or wasn’t a serious threat.
Media coverage of these narratives was further exacerbated due to false balanced, in which news outlets in an attempt to appear neutral often placed climate scientists next to contrarians in order for the public perception that science is still uncertain.
This created a climate in Australia that was either seen as too damaging economically or simply unnecessary.
What is happening in the federal campaign for elections?
The following types of climate misinformation have been spreading during the federal election campaign.
1. Trumpet of Patriots
Clive Palmer’s Trumpet of Patriots Party ran an ad which claimed to reveal “the truth about climate changes”. The advertisement featured a clip of a 2004 documentary in which a scientist discussed data that suggested temperatures in Greenland weren’t rising. Since then, the scientist who appeared in the video has that his comments have become outdated.
This type of misinformation involves cherry-picking, presenting a scientific measurement that is at odds with the overwhelming consensus.
Google has removed the ad after it was flagged for being misleading. However, it only did so after 1.9 million views.
2. Responsible Future Illawarra
The responsible future campaign is against wind turbines for various reasons including cost, foreign ownership and power prices.
The scientific evidence shows that offshore wind farms have a relatively low impact on marine life. They also cause less harm to the environment than fishing gear and boats . Some studies suggest that the infrastructure could create a new habitat to support marine life.
The general lack of research on offshore wind and marine wildlife has created an uncertainty that groups like Responsible Future Illawarra are able to exploit.
Sea Shepherd Australia has said that its comments have been misrepresented.
The group appears to have also deliberately spread misinformation. The group cites a supposed research paper that claims offshore wind turbines will kill up to 400 whalings each year. However, the document does not exist.
3. Australians for Natural Gas
Australians for Natural Gas, a group that promotes gas and presents itself as an organisation of grassroots members, was set up by a head of a major gas company. The campaign promotes the importance of natural gas in Australia’s fuel mix and its contribution to employment and the economy.
According to Meta’s Ad Library, these adds have already been seen more than 1.1 million times. According to Meta’s Ad Library these ads have been viewed more than 1.1 millions times.
The current Australian energy mix is dominated by gas. Analysis shows that it could be phased almost completely out if renewables and storage were increased , and business and household electrification continued to increase.
The economy of Australia will suffer a great deal if we fail to address climate change.
What to do when you find misinformation
Climate misinformation, and even disinformation, is likely to spread as the federal election draws near. How can we tell the difference between fact and fiction?
strengthen yourself against misinformation is possible by ” prebunking“. This involves familiarising yourself with the common claims of climate change deniers.
Sources like Skeptical science provide in-depth analysis of specific claims.
It is a valuable tool. It consists of four steps:
- Stop
- Investigate source
- Find Better Coverage
- Trace quotes, claims and media to original sources
A steady flow of accurate and timely information is essential to gaining public and political support in order to implement important policy changes.
Alfie is the recipient of a Research Training Program (RTP), an Australian Government Scholarship.
Libby Lester has received funding from the Australian Research Council.
