Whales and misinformation

November 17, 2023

Mr Duttons recent statements about off-shore wind turbines endangering whales and dolphins have been shown to be based on disinformation. It has been reported that a Facebook post, stating that a paper supporting the evidence for harm to whales had been published in respected publication Marine Policy. As soon as the fake was flagged by Marine Policy staff, the Facebook page disappeared. Research from InfluenceMap shows that anti-climate groups are using Facebooks advertising platform and unique targeting abilities to spread disinformation, intentionally seeding doubt and confusion around the science of climate change. And more generally in the US, think tanks with connections to the fossil fuel industry use community groups to oppose renewable energy and stoke division over climate change (see independent journalist Michael Thomas). It seems this divisive practice is being imported into Australia. Used by right-wing groups to further their opposition to action on climate change, they undermine any chance of bipartisan decision-making. A bit of the Aussie skepticism and b-s detection has never been more urgently needed. The miss-and-disinformation appears to have reached the halls of Parliament and threatens to derail our transition to renewables.