The misinformation machine – how doubt fuels delay

Australia’s clean energy transition is colliding with a surge of misinformation — from viral claims about whale deaths caused by off-shore wind farms to industry-backed ‘community’ campaigns designed to sow doubt about renewables. Disinformation is now pervasive and coordinated. It damages democratic debate and urgent climate action, and creates confusion and erodes support for climate change action. A Senate committee inquiry is currently looking at how these narratives spread and who’s behind them. It’s received hundreds of submissions and will hear from researchers, activists, tech platforms, etc about how misinformation shapes public attitudes and policy. Chair of the committee, Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson outlines what they’ve learnt so far, and what it will take to ensure truth and transparency are protected in Australia’s energy debate.