Global Initiative Strengthens Climate Information Integrity Ahead of COP30

The initiative is dedicated to ensuring that reliable, science-based climate information informs global communication and policymaking.

First Steering Committee Meeting Sets the Stage for Climate Information Integrity

The inaugural Steering Committee meeting of the Global Initiative for Information Integrity on Climate Change took place this month, establishing a framework to spotlight this crucial issue at COP30. The initiative is dedicated to ensuring that reliable, science-based climate information informs global communication and policymaking.

Against a striking backdrop of a glacier with vivid blue ice formations, surrounded by rugged, snow-dusted peaks, and a reflective body of water in the foreground, the meeting underscored the urgent need for accurate and trustworthy climate data.

WMO’s Role in Strengthening Scientific Foundations

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), represented by Assistant Secretary-General Thomas Asare, played a pivotal role in shaping the initiative’s trajectory as part of the Scientific Advisory Group. WMO’s participation reinforces the scientific credibility of the effort by providing expert guidance on weather, water, and climate science.

“Our contribution ensures that accurate Earth system data informs global discussions,” said Asare. By leveraging its authoritative expertise, WMO helps safeguard the integrity of climate-related communication and decision-making.

Why This Matters

The surge in climate disinformation presents a significant challenge to clear, fact-based understanding. The World Economic Forum’s 2025 Global Risks Report identifies misinformation and disinformation as one of the world’s greatest threats. Despite this, only 6% of global disinformation research currently addresses climate change, leaving critical gaps in funding and regional representation.

The initiative, with WMO’s contributions, seeks to close these gaps and bring a renewed emphasis on climate information integrity to COP30. By addressing the spread of misleading narratives, the initiative aims to fortify public trust in climate science.

WMO’s Contributions to the Initiative

WMO’s role is crucial in ensuring technical accuracy and scientific rigor, with key contributions that include:

• Providing authoritative weather, water, and climate data to support reliable decision-making.
• Participating in the Scientific Advisory Group to validate research and uphold data integrity.
• Utilizing its extensive global network of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services to ensure climate insights are regionally relevant and context-specific.

Next Steps

The initiative is backed by the Global Fund for Climate Information Integrity, which is administered by UNESCO. Resource allocation includes:

• 45% dedicated to climate misinformation research,
• 30% focused on response strategies,
• 25% supporting UN communications efforts.

The Steering Committee, co-chaired by Brazil and the UN, will oversee the initiative’s implementation. WMO’s involvement in the Scientific Advisory Group ensures the highest standard of technical excellence as the initiative gains momentum ahead of COP30.

By reinforcing the credibility of climate communication, this initiative aims to protect the global discourse on climate action from disinformation and misinformation, ensuring that science remains at the forefront of decision-making.