Climate hoax: The shift from scientific discourse to speculative rhetoric in climate change conversations

This study critically examines the transformation of climate change discourse from an empirical scientific foundation to a battleground of speculative rhetoric, misinformation, and ideological polarization. While climate science has produced irrefutable evidence of anthropogenic global warming, climate skepticism has evolved beyond scientific critique into a politically and economically motivated phenomenon. This review article explores the mechanisms through which the “climate hoax” narrative has gained traction, analyzing its origins, dissemination strategies, and socio-political implications. Findings reveal that conservative think tanks and fossil fuel industries play a central role in manufacturing doubt, using strategic misinformation to obstruct climate policies. Digital misinformation, amplified by algorithm-driven social media platforms, has exacerbated public skepticism, with Twitter bots and YouTube algorithms creating echo chambers that radicalize climate denialist perspectives. Empirical data highlight that misinformation networks in the United States and Germany systematically undermine climate consensus, with ideological influence scores reaching 9–10 on a 10-point scale. The psychological dimensions of climate denial, including motivated reasoning and conspiracy ideation, further entrench speculative rhetoric. Studies indicate that individuals who perceive climate policies as economic threats or ideological impositions exhibit heightened resistance to scientific consensus. Moreover, the intersection of climate skepticism with identity politics, particularly petro-masculinity and far-right populism, has weaponized climate discourse as part of broader cultural and nationalist movements. Addressing this epistemological crisis requires a multi-pronged approach integrating digital literacy, preemptive debunking, and interdisciplinary science communication. Regulatory measures to counteract algorithmic misinformation, coupled with targeted policy framing, are critical in restoring public trust in climate science. By synthesizing insights from political science, psychology, media studies, and environmental policy, this review contributes to ongoing efforts to reclaim climate discourse from ideological distortion and reinforce the primacy of evidence-based policymaking. The findings underscore the urgency of countering the climate hoax narrative to facilitate informed and effective climate governance.