Anti- and pro-environmental disinformation. Fact-checking Spanish political parties’ discourse

Abstract

Climate disinformation’s studies focus mainly on denialism or false discourses justifying inaction. However, pro-environmental disinformation is also possible, exaggerating climate change consequences or green policies benefits. Anti- and pro-environmental disinformation can negatively influence citizens’ political decision-making. The aim of this research is to analyze the disinformation coming from Spanish political actors, to check what issues they focus on and if there is an ideological bias in the dissemination of false information related to climate change and the environment. The investigation is based on verifications carried out by fact-checkers Newtral and Maldita on statements made by Spanish politicians. From a quantitative perspective, all fact-checks performed from October 2018 to March 2023 are analyzed (N = 1,415). The study covers a time frame of almost five years, which includes elections at European and national level. We classified each disinformation according to date, source, and topic, and we make a taxonomic proposal of environmental disinformation, be it anti- or pro-environmental action. We aim to find out what kind of environmental disinformation is used in Spain to cover the lack of studies in this field. Also to check the differences in the disinformation strategy of the parties, especially in the radical right. Results reveal for the first time the presence of pro-environmental disinformation. However, disinformation is mostly anti-environmental and occupies a low level within the disinformation strategy of the parties, which reflects the low interest in this issue. Findings show that denialism is on the decline. Instead, anti-environmentalism has become more pragmatic and prevails through inactivism. Conservative parties lead in environmental disinformation, although it is more frequent in the more moderate ones. There is also an increase in this type of disinformation before the European election, which suggests an instrumental use at the political level where the environment is perceived to be more relevant.