Hosted by Sylvère-Henry Cissé, students from the Lycée Voltaire in Paris, France; the Lycée Limète in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo; Lycée Henry Matisse in Montreuil, France; and Association Ikrae in Ouezzane, Morocco had the opportunity to explore the complex challenges relating to the environment during this UNESCO Campus, and to obtain enlightening perspectives on how to take action and better confront contemporary challenges.
Jay Ralitera, UNESCO expert in Media and Information Literacy, opened the Campus by focusing on the major threat posed by scientific disinformation. This type of disinformation is particularly threatening because of its quick spread on social networks, where erroneous scientific information can be widely spread.
Jay Ralitera clarified the difference between scientific disinformation and misinformation. "Scientific disinformation consists of the deliberate dissemination of false information on crucial subjects such as climate change, with the aim of misleading the public", she explained. Misinformation, on the other hand, involves unintentional errors, where the person sharing the information believes it to be true. This nuance is important because scientific misinformation can have real and negative impacts on society, such as minimising the dangers and challenges of climate change.
Jay Ralitera suggested a series of solutions for distinguishing disinformation from reliable information. Her recommendations include checking sources, giving preference to recognised scientific publications, and being on guard against sensationalist content. Jay Ralitera also encouraged people to cross-check information to avoid spreading false information.
On this subject, UNESCO supports the development of the concept of media and information literacy and the importance of climate change education.
The discussion continued on the need for crucial cooperation between journalists and scientists in shaping our collective visions. Journalists play a key role in popularising scientific information, while scientists must make their research accessible to the general public. Strengthening this link is essential if we want to restore confidence, particularly among young people. As citizens, it is crucial to develop a critical mind and understand the real impact of the information shared. With this in mind, the students discussed with Jay Ralitera the importance of objectivity in testimony and the media, and the crucial role of fact-checking in ensuring the veracity of information.
Think critically, click wisely !
After addressing the issue of scientific disinformation, our second guest, Simon Klein, science mediator at , talked about eco-anxiety, its effects on young people and strategies for dealing with it.
Simon Klein defines eco-anxiety as ‘a natural emotional reaction to the uncertainty of the future, particularly in relation to global warming and biodiversity’. He explained that eco-anxiety encompasses a variety of emotions such as fear, sadness, anger and empathy. These emotions arise when we think about the devastating effects of the environmental crisis, both for humanity and for the planet. Simon Klein has also highlighted the frustration that eco-anxiety can cause in the face of perceived government inaction, and points out that this emotion, shared collectively, leads us to reflect on our own responsibility.
Finally, Simon Klein shared concrete solutions for transforming eco-anxiety into a driver for positive action. He explained that, although these emotions may persist due to the inertia of the climate system, it was essential not to sink into fatalism. He encouraged everyone to take action on several levels: individually by adopting pro-environmental behaviour, but also collectively, by joining associations or taking part in political action. The expert concluded the dialogue with the students by stressing the importance of reconnecting with nature, saying that this helps considerably to ease eco-anxiety while improving our mental and physical health.
Ecological commitment is a community commitment, with a strengthened human connection
Through this event, UNESCO reaffirms its commitment to supporting research and helping young people face today's challenges. At the end of the event, an interactive online game was organised, allowing 50 students to share their ideas and their various reflections on the challenges of climate change and disinformation.
This event was organised with the support of and .
