By: Emmanuel Koranteng Asomani | Penplusbytes

Climate change is no longer something Ghanaians only hear about in the news. We are living it. Rains that used to end long before December are now falling in December and continuing into January. Just when people begin to adjust, the rain gives way to weeks of intense, scorching heat. Farmers are confused about when to plant, traders deal with flooded markets one week and extreme heat the next, and coastal communities continue to watch the sea slowly take over their homes.

While these physical changes are easy to see and feel, a quieter but equally dangerous problem is growing alongside them: climate disinformation. False and misleading information about climate change is spreading through social media, word of mouth, and even public debate. These narratives make it harder for people to understand what is really happening, often creating doubt, weakening trust in science and experts, and slowing down the actions Ghana needs to take to protect its people, its economy, and its future.

Understanding Climate Disinformation

Climate disinformation involves the deliberate spread of false or misleading information designed to confuse citizens and delay action on climate change. It is usually spread by individuals or organizations with vested interests in denying or downplaying the reality of climate change and its impacts. Economic interests like fossil fuel companies have been known to fund campaigns that cast doubt on climate science to protect their profits.

Climate disinformation can take many forms, such as selectively presenting data, promoting unproven or false scientific claims, or spreading conspiracy theories. Unlike simple misinformation, which can often be corrected through education and clear communication, disinformation is intentional and harder to combat, requiring focused efforts to uncover and challenge the falsehoods. The Global Risks Report 2024 identifies misinformation and disinformation, alongside the direct impacts of the climate and nature crises, as among the most serious short-term and long-term threats to human society.

Why Addressing Climate Disinformation Matters for Ghana

Climate disinformation does not exist in isolation. It forms part of broader issues of information disorder and political polarization. Politicians, partisan media, and social media platforms often contribute to a general mistrust of institutions and important information. This makes it easier for false stories to spread, not just about politics but also about climate change. How information is shared or framed shapes national conversations. Addressing this menace should be a matter of urgency because of:

• Ghana’s Vulnerability to Climate Impacts

Ghana is already feeling the impact of a changing climate in very visible ways. Coastal communities in places like Ada and Keta are losing land to rising seas, forcing families to relocate and threatening fishing livelihoods. Farmers in the northern regions struggle to know the right time to plant because rainfall is unpredictable. Some areas experience heavy rains in December that continue into January, while other parts of the country are hit by weeks of scorching sun, damaging crops and drying rivers. Even in Accra, markets and roads get flooded within hours of a sudden downpour, disrupting trade and daily life.

• How Disinformation Weakens Public Awareness and Action

Climate disinformation often hits home in ways people can see but not always understand. News reports or social media posts sometimes fail to connect climate science to everyday life. Many Ghanaians may not realize that unusual rains, prolonged heat waves, or flooding directly affect their food supply, income, or access to water. Some sources cherry-pick information or suggest that these changes are “normal” weather, downplaying the urgency of the problem.

This confusion slows public understanding and reduces the willingness to act. When citizens do not fully recognize the reality or seriousness of climate change, they are less likely to support government policies or make small changes in their own lives that could help communities adapt.

• Economic and Social Consequences

Disinformation does more than confuse the public, it can also influence critical economic and policy decisions. If people are led to believe that switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy is unnecessary and unproductive, governments may delay projects like Ghana’s National Energy Transition Framework, a roadmap for low-carbon development. Government’s renewable projects may even fail if there is low uptake by citizens.

Strategies to Combat Disinformation

Combating climate disinformation requires action on multiple fronts. Clear climate communication is essential which means translating complex science into stories that resonate with everyday life, like how drought affects food or how rising temperatures impact health . Also, media literacy and responsible journalism can help citizens spot reliable information and support accurate reporting. Additionally, digital tools and community engagement, such as fact-checking platforms and local education initiatives, can quickly correct false narratives and make climate discussions relevant to communities Finally, policy and governance measures, including transparent climate policies and corporate accountability, strengthen overall information integrity, as recommended by global forums like the G20.

Combating climate disinformation is not just the responsibility of governments or journalists. Everyone can play a role in stopping the spread of disinformation. Here are some practical steps to take:

• Report disinformation when you see it– many social media platforms allow you to flag false or misleading posts.
• Read beyond the headline– headlines can be misleading, so take the time to read full articles before forming an opinion.
• Avoid engaging with false posts– commenting, liking, or sharing disinformation only amplifies it and exposes you to more of such false content.
• Share correct information– help spread accurate, fact-based information through your networks, both online and offline.
• Rely on reputable sources– follow verified experts, scientific institutions, and respected news outlets. Provide clear, evidence-based information when discussing climate issues.
• Be aware of personal biases– seek diverse sources to gain a balanced perspective and avoid being misled by information that only confirms your existing beliefs.

Conclusion

Climate change is no longer a distant threat for Ghana. It is happening in our farms, markets, and coastal communities right now. At the same time, climate disinformation is making the problem worse by distorting facts, weakening trust in science, and slowing the actions needed to protect lives and livelihoods. Combating this threat requires effort from everyone: governments, journalists, educators, community leaders, and  citizens. By promoting clear communication, improving media literacy, using digital tools responsibly, and holding institutions accountable, Ghanaians can counter false narratives and make informed decisions. Every report flagged, every misleading post questioned, and every accurate story shared helps strengthen our collective response. Fighting climate disinformation is not just about protecting facts, it is about safeguarding Ghana’s people, economy, and future against the real impacts of a changing climate.

References

• European Commission. Climate Disinformation. https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/climate-disinformation_en
• United Nations Development Programme. What Are Climate Misinformation and Disinformation and How Can We Tackle Them? https://climatepromise.undp.org/news-and-stories/what-are-climate-misinformation-and-disinformation-and-how-can-we-tackle-them
• Media Foundation for West Africa. MFWA Launches Report on Mis/Disinformation, Polarisation, and State Threat in Ghana. https://mfwa.org/issues-in-focus/mfwa-launches-report-on-mis-disinformation-polarisation-and-state-threat-in-ghana/?
• Ghanaians Say Climate Change Is Making Life Worse and Needs Urgent Action by Government and Citizens. https://www.afrobarometer.org/articles/ghanaians-say-climate-change-is-making-life-worse-needs-urgent-action-by-government-and-citizens/
• G20 South Africa.G20 Leaders Can’t Tackle the Climate Crisis Without Addressing Information Integrity 2025.https://g20.mg.co.za/g20-leaders-cant-tackle-the-climate-crisis-without-addressing-information-integrity-2025/