The physical crisis of an emergency is often mirrored by a crisis of information. During a climate emergency, the public is in a state of uncertainty and disengaged distrust. This emotional and cognitive state makes people highly susceptible to mis- and disinformation, which can spread rapidly and build up or undermine public safety efforts. At the same time, by preparing in advance, cities can transform these moments of crisis into key teachable moments. Research from Potential Energy and the Yale Programme for Communicating Climate Change demonstrated how an extreme weather event is “also a profound teaching opportunity – a time when information-seeking often spikes and many are actively looking to better understand climate change and its impacts”.
The spread of disinformation can be amplified when cities are not well prepared and official channels are slow to act. If they fail to provide information, or deliver it in an unclear manner, they leave a vacuum that is exploited by disinformers; it can be incredibly difficult to regain public confidence once disinformation has taken hold. By combining a solid response plan with strong pre-bunking efforts, a local government can save lives during extreme weather – while protecting information integrity. This is achieved by clearly informing residents about the cause of the crisis, the city’s action plan, and the services available to them.
This playbook is designed to help city leaders manage these interconnected challenges. It provides practical strategies for preparing for, responding to, and recovering from extreme climate events whilst winning the battle for public trust. Within this playbook, you will find essential definitions, real-world case studies, and key strategies to prevent and counteract climate disinformation during extreme climate events, including guidance on how to craft your messages in order to protect public safety, build community resilience, and reinforce the vital role of local government.
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