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Within Africa, a troubling trend of climate change denial persists propagated by those who leverage the power of the internet to spread misinformation. It’s not just a matter of ignorance but a deliberate perpetuation of a false narrative that undermines critical climate research and stalls action.
The advent of social media and digital platforms has democratized information sharing, but it has also given rise to a parallel wave of misinformation.
In Africa, climate change deniers have continuously exploited platforms such as X, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram to disseminate misleading data, often funded by vested interests who benefit from the status quo. This ranges from outright denial of climate change to minimizing its impacts or suggesting that human activities are not the primary cause.
Such narratives find fertile ground in regions where scientific literacy may be limited, and where economic challenges make immediate concerns more pressing than long-term environmental threats.
These deniers create a false equivalence by sowing doubt between peer-reviewed scientific research and baseless claims, confusing the public and policymakers alike. One young denier on X – @JusperMachogu – has continuously advocated for the use of fossil fuels and asserted that climate change is not real.
Contrasting sharply with the deniers are some members of Generation Z, who are emerging as the most informed and proactive cohort regarding climate change in the region. Thanks to better access to education, global connectivity, and a plethora of credible information sources, Gen Z in Africa is aware of the environmental challenges facing their continent and the world.
Dear African media,
You are on the ground with us.I appeal to you to take a DEEP dive into how CLIMATE CHANGE is affecting us every day and what everyone needs to do to revert/adapt to the impacts.
Maybe then,the world will start to pay attention to what is happening in Africa.
— Elizabeth Wathuti , O.G.W 🇰🇪 (@lizwathuti) February 1, 2020
They are not only well-versed in the science of climate change but are also at the forefront of activism and innovation, pushing for sustainable practices and policies. Last year’s first Africa Climate Summit brought about over 3,000 Gen Zs to the forum despite the difficulties most of them encountered at the summit. In recent times, most environmental forums are flocked by the younger generation despite not being at the decision tables.
This generation recognizes the urgency of the situation and the intergenerational responsibility to combat climate change. They are using social media to raise awareness, organize grassroots movements, and hold leaders accountable.
Their activism is a crucial counterbalance to the tide of misinformation, offering a fact-based narrative grounded in scientific research. The UN states that more than 70% of the continent’s population is below the age of 30.
However, the narrative is different among segments of the older generation, particularly those in positions of influence. Some cling to outdated notions, dismissing modern climate predictions as alarmist or exaggerated. This skepticism is often rooted in a combination of factors, including a lack of exposure to contemporary scientific education, economic interests tied to traditional industries, and a psychological resistance to change.
The generational divide poses a significant challenge. While younger people push for progress, the reluctance from portions of their elders hampers collective efforts. Their denial is not just a passive stance but actively obstructs policy reforms and the adoption of new technologies essential for mitigating climate change – especially on the continent.
