Access to information on climate change and human rights

The new UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change, Elisa Morgera has focused on information integrity on climate change in her first report. 

The report, submitted on July 18, 2024, delves into the critical issue of access to information in the face of the climate crisis. It emphasizes that the right to information is not only fundamental but also essential for informed decision-making and public participation in addressing climate change. The report underscores the importance of information integrity, advocating for quality, trustworthy, and evidence-based information to counter the detrimental effects of misinformation and disinformation.

The report emphasizes that the right of access to information is crucial in tackling climate change and protecting human rights. It calls for the proactive dissemination of information by states and businesses and highlights the need for international cooperation to ensure information integrity and accessibility. The report also underscores the importance of combating misinformation and disinformation, particularly in the context of climate change. It advocates for the protection of climate activists, scientists, and journalists who play a vital role in disseminating information and holding states and businesses accountable. The report concludes by providing recommendations to states, businesses, and the United Nations system to enhance access to information and promote transparency, inclusiveness, and effectiveness in climate action.

Main messages from report

• The necessity of access to information for effective climate action and human rights protection. The report emphasizes that access to information is not only a fundamental human right but also crucial for informed decision-making and public participation in addressing climate change.
• The importance of information integrity in combating misinformation and disinformation. The report highlights the need for quality, trustworthy, and evidence-based information to counter the negative impacts of false or misleading information on climate action.
• The responsibility of states to proactively collect and disseminate information on climate change and its impacts on human rights. The report outlines the obligations of states to provide accessible and timely information to the public, including disaggregated data on vulnerable groups.
• The prevalence of disinformation campaigns promoting false or misleading solutions for a just transition, such as the use of natural gas or blue and grey hydrogen, can hinder effective climate action.
• The role of businesses in accurately reporting and disclosing their climate impacts and refraining from supporting misinformation campaigns. The report emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability from businesses in their climate-related actions and communications.
• The importance of international cooperation in promoting access to information, enhancing protection for affected communities, and holding states and businesses accountable. The report calls for collaborative efforts to address information gaps, combat misinformation, and ensure information integrity in the context of climate change.

The report also highlights the dual role of social media and digital platforms in the climate information landscape. While they can be powerful tools for disseminating crucial information and fostering international collaboration, their business models, which often prioritize engagement and profit, contribute to the spread of misinformation and disinformation. The report emphasizes the need for these platforms to take proactive measures to mitigate the risks associated with information manipulation and ensure the dissemination of quality, trustworthy, and evidence-based climate information.

The full report can be accessed via this link.