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Climate Misinformation Threatens Public Health as Senior Journalists Gather to Address Crisis
As climate impacts intensify across South and Southeast Asia, a dangerous undercurrent of false and misleading narratives is quietly shaping public understanding of environmental risks, potentially delaying crucial climate action and threatening public health.
In response to this growing crisis, approximately 26 editors and senior journalists will convene in Bangkok on January 24-25 for a targeted two-day workshop organized by Sunway University’s Centre for Planetary Health. The meeting aims to equip media leaders with practical tools to counter the real-world consequences of climate misinformation.
“Narratives that downplay air pollution, distort the role of fossil fuels and renewable energy, or undermine trust in public health measures are influencing public debate and slowing effective action,” said Prof. Dr. Jemilah Mahmood, Executive Director of Sunway’s Centre for Planetary Health. “Senior media leaders play a decisive role in whether these claims are challenged, properly contextualized, or simply amplified.”
The stakes could not be higher. Climate change has already pushed global average temperatures beyond 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for the first time in 2024, while greenhouse gas emissions continue to climb to record highs despite increasingly urgent warnings from scientists.
The consequences extend far beyond rising temperatures. Climate scientists warn of potential “tipping points” – thresholds beyond which environmental systems could undergo irreversible changes, similar to leaning too far back in a chair and reaching a point where falling becomes inevitable.
“Regardless of tipping points and uncertainties, we are already heading towards the next mass extinction event,” warns Luke Kemp in his 2025 book ‘Goliath’s Curse’. “Current rates of species extinction are around 10,000 times what they would be without human intervention.”
The Bangkok workshop follows the January 19 Southeast Asia launch of The Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change 2025 in Kuala Lumpur. This influential report warns that science-denying populism and misinformation are eroding public understanding of the links between climate change and human health, even as climate-related illnesses, deaths, and disasters accelerate.
The Lancet report highlights that this is not merely an issue of public confusion but one of power and politics. It notes that some world leaders are prioritizing short-term economic and political interests over mounting scientific evidence. Government mentions of health and climate change in annual U.N. General Debate statements have declined from 62 percent in 2021 to just 30 percent in 2024.
In Cambodia, one of the most common manifestations of climate misinformation is the subtle downplaying of climate change itself. Extreme weather events like heatwaves, floods, and droughts are frequently framed as normal seasonal variations rather than climate-driven extremes. Local media often describe record-breaking heatwaves as “the hot season as usual,” minimizing the severity of the situation.
This framing has tangible consequences. When extreme heat is normalized, people tend to underestimate health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations like informal workers, older adults, and children. Meanwhile, authorities face reduced pressure to implement heat action plans, early warning systems, or worker protections.
“The program brings together expert briefings, advanced verification exercises, and immersive simulations,” Dr. Jemilah explained. “Participants will work through real-time misinformation scenarios, test editorial decision-making under pressure, sharpen approaches to fact-checking, and explore how to develop counter-narratives that are credible, ethical, and effective.”
The workshop is supported by multiple organizations including Climate Action Against Disinformation, the Global Climate and Health Alliance, the Global Strategic Communications Council, InfluenceMap, Healthcare Without Harm Southeast Asia, and Internews.
Beyond individual training, the program aims to establish the Asia Pacific Planetary Health Media Professionals Network, fostering sustained exchange and cross-border cooperation among senior media professionals committed to accurate climate reporting.
As The Lancet Countdown report makes clear, strengthening media and information ecosystems is now a critical public health intervention in itself. For journalists across the region, countering climate misinformation is becoming essential to helping communities understand risk, demand accountability, and support climate actions that could save countless lives as environmental conditions deteriorate.
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8 Comments
The consequences of climate misinformation can be severe, especially in regions like South and Southeast Asia that are highly vulnerable to the impacts of global warming. I’m hopeful that this workshop will empower media leaders to become more effective champions of science-based climate reporting.
Educating the public on the real-world risks and mitigation strategies is crucial. I’m interested to see how this workshop will help media outlets strike the right balance between informing and not alarming their audiences.
Climate change is a pressing concern for the mining and energy sectors, which play a pivotal role in the transition to a low-carbon future. This workshop could have far-reaching impacts if it succeeds in strengthening the media’s ability to report accurately and responsibly on these critical issues.
As a mining and commodities enthusiast, I’m acutely aware of the need for accurate, unbiased information on the industry’s role in addressing climate change. This workshop could be a valuable step toward more constructive public discourse on these complex issues.
This is a critical issue for the mining and energy sectors. Combating climate misinformation is vital to drive responsible policies and public support for sustainable practices. I’m curious to hear more about the specific strategies these media leaders will use to effectively counter false narratives.
Providing factual, science-based information is key to educating the public and policymakers. I hope this workshop leads to more balanced and accurate reporting on climate change impacts and solutions.
It’s encouraging to see senior journalists taking a proactive stance against the spread of climate misinformation. Fostering public trust in reliable information sources will be crucial as we address the complex challenges posed by global warming.
Equipping media leaders with practical tools to counter false narratives is a smart approach. I’m curious to learn more about the specific methods and resources that will be shared at this workshop.