Climate Connections – "How an army of volunteers is fighting climate misinformation online"

Episode Date: May 1, 2026
Host: Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz
Guest: Jennifer McCarron, Sierra Club

Episode Overview

This episode of Climate Connections spotlights a grassroots effort led by the Sierra Club to combat climate misinformation on social media. Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz discusses with Jennifer McCarron the strategies her 1,300+ volunteer team employs to uplift truthful information and shift online conversations about climate change. The focus is on practical, hope-inspiring action and empowering everyday social media users to make a difference in the digital information landscape.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

The Pervasiveness of Climate Misinformation

• [00:01–00:13] Dr. Leiserowitz introduces the widespread issue of emotionally charged and conflicting climate content on social media.
  • "If you use social media, you've likely seen heated online arguments, outrageous posts, or conflicting news about climate change." – Dr. Leiserowitz [00:01]

The Challenge and Impact of Bad Actors Online

• [00:14–00:25] Jennifer McCarron describes the tactics of misinformation spreaders.
  • "It's just very prevalent that people will share emotionally exciting information that they find that isn't truthful. And there are lots of bad actors out there who want to share bad information." – Jennifer McCarron [00:14]
• Misinformation leads to public confusion and climate fatigue.

The Volunteer Solution: Uplifting Truthful Content

• [00:26–00:52] McCarron outlines the Sierra Club’s response: a group of "climate truth tellers" who engage positively, not combatively, online.
  • Program Structure:
    • Each week, volunteers receive accurate social media posts to promote.
    • Volunteers flood comment sections with personal reflections and community-relevant information.
    • Goal: Encourage the spread of accurate, hopeful climate messaging.
  • "She leads a team of more than 1300 volunteers who are fighting back not by arguing with online trolls, but by uplifting truthful content." – Dr. Leiserowitz [00:27]

Influence on Algorithms and Visibility

• [00:53–01:01]
  • Positive engagement helps "game" platform algorithms, ensuring that verified information is seen by more users.
  • "This may seem small, but it actually helps influence platform algorithms to boost the visibility on those posts and help ensure that good information gets seen by more people." – Jennifer McCarron [00:53]

Empowering Everyday Users

• [01:02–01:20] The method isn’t exclusive to Sierra Club volunteers—anyone can help by engaging constructively and sharing truthful information.
  • "Weighing in with positive, truthful interaction is important not only because of the social media algorithms, but because other people will see your comment. And then if they agree with you but they don't feel like speaking up, they'll know that they're not alone, too." – Jennifer McCarron [01:05]
  • The ripple effect: Even silent observers gain confidence by seeing positive, fact-based engagement.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "If you use social media, you've likely seen heated online arguments, outrageous posts, or conflicting news about climate change." – Dr. Leiserowitz [00:01]
• "There are lots of bad actors out there who want to share bad information." – Jennifer McCarron [00:19]
• "She leads a team of more than 1300 volunteers who are fighting back not by arguing with online trolls, but by uplifting truthful content." – Dr. Leiserowitz [00:26]
• "This may seem small, but it actually helps influence platform algorithms to boost the visibility on those posts and help ensure that good information gets seen by more people." – Jennifer McCarron [00:53]
• "Weighing in with positive, truthful interaction is important not only because of the social media algorithms, but because other people will see your comment. And then if they agree with you but they don't feel like speaking up, they'll know that they're not alone, too." – Jennifer McCarron [01:05]

Key Timestamps

• 00:01: Introduction to climate misinformation online
• 00:14: Jennifer McCarron on the prevalence of misinformation
• 00:26: Sierra Club’s strategy: uplifting truth, not arguing
• 00:53: The ripple effect on algorithms and public perception
• 01:05: Encouragement to all listeners—your positive engagement matters

Conclusion

This episode delivers a hopeful message: Even small, positive actions online can shift the digital conversation around climate change. By flooding social platforms with truth and community stories, volunteers—and anyone inspired to join them—help factual information reach further, countering despair and misinformation alike. Listeners are encouraged to weigh in with kindness and facts, knowing their voices help build a more informed and confident public.

[Learn more at climateconnections.org]