CAFA invites you to a webinar launching its new study: “Scientific and Climate Denial as Threats to Academic Freedom in the Americas”
This report examines the rise of climate denialism and disinformation in the Americas, focusing on its political dimensions, origins, manifestations, and impact on the social and political landscape. It explores the relationship between these phenomena and broader scientific disinformation, their connection to the rise of authoritarian leaders and movements, and how these elements threaten academic freedom.
The study uses a qualitative exploratory approach, including:
- A systematic literature review
- Dialogues with fourteen specialists from academia and international organizations
- Comparative case studies on Brazil, the United States, and other Latin American countries
It presents a typology of climate denialism and disinformation to understand the different ways climate science is attacked or dismissed. The report also identifies key actors involved in spreading disinformation and proposes strategies to counter these challenges through public policy, civil society initiatives, science communication, and education, with examples from Brazil, the United States, Colombia, Chile, Mexico, and Argentina.
The study emphasizes that scientific denialism directly threatens academic freedom — the right to produce, share, and defend knowledge without interference. Attacks on scientists, including harassment and threats, are increasingly common, and academic freedom is under pressure in many countries.
Additionally, the report highlights the importance of COP30 as a platform to discuss information integrity, the right to science, and academic freedom, especially in light of the documented surge in climate disinformation leading up to the conference.
Speakers:
- Author: José Bortolucci (Maranta)
- Commentators: Eve Darian-Smith (University of California, Irvine), Frederico Assis (University of São Paulo)
- Moderator: Carolina SantaCruz (International Science Council)