The Climate Propagandist

As an initiative “obsessing” over climate disinformation… We at The Climate Propagandist know this is not just about setting the record straight—it's about survival. If we don’t tackle the propaganda machine head-on, we're letting Big Oil and its cronies dictate our future, and that’s a future of continued destruction and exploitation. A few thoughts 👇 👹 Exposing Big Oil is a climate solution For decades, these companies have used their wealth and influence to spin narratives that justify their relentless pursuit of profit, no matter the cost to the planet. They’ve bought time by downplaying the severity of climate change, sowing doubt about scientific consensus, and promoting stories that favour continued exploitation and extraction. Holding Big Oil accountable— and making them pay for the damage they’ve caused — IS a climate solution. 🚩 Disinformation is a problem to be taken seriously These campaigns are slick, sophisticated, and designed to look like credible information. That’s what makes them so effective—and so dangerous. By obsessing over disinformation, we’re doing the hard, dirty work of picking apart these toxic narratives, exposing their true origins, and showing just how much harm they cause. Big Oil’s propaganda is ruthless, and we need to be just as relentless in countering it. 🖍️ Everyone has a role to play Tackling the climate crisis requires a collective effort where everyone leverages their unique skills and platforms to drive change. Storytellers, in particular, hold immense power in shaping public discourse and influencing opinions. Every story told, every lie debunked, and every truth amplified brings us closer to real action. And here are just a few initiatives tackling climate disinformation: DeSmog Center for Countering Digital Hate Climate Science Breakthrough Yellow Dot Studios Climate Action Against Disinformation ClientEarth - drop more in the comments! #climatedisinformation #disinformation #climatecommunications https://lnkd.in/g_UC3QRn

We just reached #10k followers on Instagram as a “niche” educative initiative. Here’s how we did it 👇 When we started The Climate Propagandist, our goal was to take the multidisciplinary concept of climate propaganda — combining climate, communications, and culture — and bring it into the mainstream. We set out with a clear mission: debunk pollution propaganda and empower a new generation of climate communicators. So, what helped us get here? 💟 #Relatability: We took complex climate issues and filtered them through the lens of pop culture, making our content not just understandable but relatable. We believe that cultural relevance is key to shifting narratives. 🤳 #Consistency: We’ve kept up a steady stream of weekly posts that dive into pollution propaganda, unpack greenwashing tactics, and highlight effective climate communication. (Don’t get me wrong, we disappeared from the online sphere from time to time—life happens—but we always came back.) 🔧 #Empowerment: We made sure our content isn’t just informative but genuinely helpful—offering actionable insights, tools, and strategies that our audience can use in their own advocacy and communications work. Thanks to all of you, we’re just getting started! 🗺️ https://lnkd.in/dp_rY99c #climatecommunication #climateaction #socialmediaforgood

What can climate communicators learn from Paul Watson? 🐋 Known for his confrontational approach towards whalers, illegal fishers, and poachers, Paul Watson has transformed the discourse around marine conservation. His approach offers valuable lessons for climate activists: 📖 CREATE POWERFUL NARRATIVES: Sea Shepherd's stories are gripping and emotionally charged. 🏴☠️ LEVERAGE VISUAL STORYTELLING: Neptune's Navy's use of imagery is iconic and unforgettable. 🤳 EMBRACE CONTROVERSY: While risky, it can generate massive attention and spark important conversations. ⚓️ BUILD A HEROIC PERSONA: Transforming climate activists into relatable heroes can simplify complex issues into clear moral battles. What other insights can we glean from Watson’s communication playbook to enhance our climate change messaging? ℹ️ To join the fight for ocean conservation and demand Paul's release: 🔹 Download the chilli app for daily digital actions 🔹 Sign the Captain Paul Watson Foundation petition #climatecommunication #climatechange #communications #paulwatson

Hi 🙋♀️ Queer person here. No amount of pinkwashing is going to cleanse BP of its past and present crimes. How about putting your money where it really matters? — 1) better marketing, 2) getting your act together, and 3) transitioning to 100% renewables. Unless, of course, the LGBTQ+ community is just another demographic to check off your PR list? XOXO Max (P.S. fossil fuels are HOT TO GO✨🌈) #pinkwashing #pride #endfossilfuels

Right... Because decarbonisation has always been Shell's Top Priority! For those of you who are new here, "renewable diesel" (aka biofuel) is a false solution to the climate crisis, which Shell is pushing just to avoid phasing out fossil fuels. Alas, fossil fools love their folly! 🤡

💭 Creating Climate Comms Content in a Country at War 🌀 I’m currently in #Lebanon, where we’re preparing for an attack from Israel. Continuing to create tools and educational content for climate communicators becomes very challenging on many levels. I’m immensely grateful to Maxine Touchette for her unwavering support in keeping our work moving forward at The Climate Propagandist (honestly, my mind feels foggy and uninspired at the moment). Sharing lighthearted content about culture and climate feels out of touch and disconnected — from Katy Perry’s newest music video promoting petroleum to the Olympics’ sportwashing. I know you love them (I do too!), but it's clear that these issues pale in comparison to the daily struggles faced by people here. Economic instability and the fight for survival leave little room for environmental creative activism. The questions I have been asking myself: 🔹 Should I pause The Climate Propagandist for the time being? 🔹 Should I pivot the focus to propaganda for good in general (not just climate)? 🔹 Should I document more about coping with overlapping crises? Just a raw and honest reflection on navigating this - take care!

That's a great initiative for firefighter safety, ExxonMobil! Wouldn't the ultimate safety measure be transitioning away from CO2 pipelines altogether? Just a thought! 😃 Extra thanks to our firefighters that are already responding to the consequences of climate change that Exxon also created!

Is Katy Perry’s newly released music video funded by Big Oil? ⛽ Just look at the footage: Katy Perry driving a monster truck, flying in a helicopter, and even “fueling” herself with a gas pump to the backside (I wish I were joking...) This video could very well have been the latest attempt to rebrand polluting industries as 'girly,' 'sexy,' and 'glamorous' 🫠 See for yourself! https://lnkd.in/ea9XhF8f #katyperry #feminism #climatecommunication

More spaces like these, please! 🎤 Last week, I had the privilege of participating in the Transition Days in Luxembourg, a festival celebrating creative approaches to climate action. The event began with a thought-provoking panel discussion organised by the European Commission in Luxembourg on communicating for action, followed by our 2-hour workshop on the power of digital climate activism. ✴️ One thing struck me: we NEED spaces to share knowledge and experiences. With the socio-political landscape constantly shifting, it's essential to stay connected with the people we're trying to reach. Being in community ensures our storytelling and messaging remain relevant, impactful, and ultimately, persuasive. 🤝 A heartfelt thank you to my co-panelists, Cristiana Cerri Gambarelli and Anne Calteux, for sharing your invaluable insights and wisdom. A big shoutout to Elisha Winckel and his team for orchestrating such a stellar event! 📹 PS: There is a full behind-the-scenes video that you can watch here: https://lnkd.in/dJdt9Bac

I was invited to speak at the #TransitionDays in Luxembourg about climate communications. Here are some key takeaways (and reminders!) I gleaned from a day of connecting, talking, and engaging with inspiring people: 1. TAP INTO EMOTIONS 🫀 My conversation with OLIVIER LOTTER from Greenpeace Luxembourg solidified the importance of emotions — all of them — in sustainability communications. Facts and figures are important, but it's the emotional stories that connect with people most. 2. REPETITION IS CRUCIAL 🗣 Cristiana Cerri Gambarelli, my co-panelist, emphasised the importance of repetition in campaigning. In the age of information overload, it’s easy for messages to get lost. So, if you think you've said it enough, say it again! 3. LANGUAGE MATTERS 🐍 We had an engaging discussion about the term "degrowth" and whether it comes across as positive or negative. Alternative words like "prosperity" and "social economy," as suggested by Anne Calteux from the European Commission in Luxembourg, might resonate better with the public. 4. SHOW, DON'T JUST TELL 🏞 Rather than just talking about climate change (we might not even need to mention it), let’s show how a green transition would impact our well-being and quality of life. Christian Kremer and I had a great chat about sharing more positive, utopian visions. 5. COMMUNITY IS KEY 🧘♀️ Effective communication thrives on community. A big shoutout to Elisha Winckel, one of the organisers of The Transition Days, for demonstrating the importance of creating spaces for meaningful dialogue and collective action. Coming with a recap soon. Take care! - Julie Mallat