Tackling disinformation and exploring responsible AI for climate engagement

Chaired by Professor Mark Maslin (Pro-Vice-Provost, Climate Crisis) and organised in collaboration with Martin Scott (Partnerships Manager), Professor Allison Littlejohn, and Professor James Hetherington (Pro-Vice-Provosts for Data-Empowered Societies), the workshop explored the rapidly evolving role of AI in shaping how information is created, shared, and understood. With a particular focus on the climate crisis, sessions examined how AI is increasingly central to both the spread of misinformation and efforts to counter it.

The event brought together experts from across UCL and partnering organisations, including the Global Citizens’ Assembly, Google, Wellcome Trust, Global Optimism, and the University of Botswana, to explore how AI can be harnessed to foster public engagement, build trust, and drive climate action, all while upholding principles of truth and accountability.

Key themes that emerged during the session included:
•    The growing threat of misinformation to climate progress- and the need for a rapid, coordinated response.
•    How values, identity, and cultural relevance can shape more effective climate communication strategies.
•    The potential for AI tools to scale engagement, support narrative transformation, and counter disinformation, if designed responsibly.
•    The importance of embedding public literacy and ethical considerations into any AI-driven engagement strategies.

Though the session was short, it laid a strong foundation for continued collaboration and exploration. Looking ahead, the focus will shift to turning these insights into public-facing initiatives, campaigns, and tools that promote climate literacy and foster civic participation at scale.

UCL Grand Challenges and EPIC will continue to explore the intersection of climate communication, technology, and public trust, ensuring that the tools we develop serve not just efficiency, but equity and impact.

More information, next steps, and opportunities to collaborate will follow soon.