Deadline: 6-Jul-25
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is inviting proposals from not-for-profit organizations to support efforts aimed at strengthening information integrity on climate change.
This initiative seeks to confront the growing and evolving challenge of mis- and disinformation related to the climate crisis, which significantly undermines scientific consensus, delays policy action, and misguides public perception.
The rise of climate disinformation poses a serious threat to social cohesion, informed decision-making, and the credibility of evidence-based climate policies. UNESCO emphasizes the urgent need for rights-based and strategic approaches to combat false narratives, promote factual understanding, and support robust climate communication.
This initiative not only aims to expose misinformation but also to understand its mechanisms—how disinformation is produced, funded, and spread, and how it influences policy outcomes and public discourse.
Climate-related disinformation also endangers individuals working in this field, including scientists, environmental journalists, and human rights defenders. Despite the growing urgency surrounding the triple planetary crisis—climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution—there remains a significant gap in global research dedicated to analyzing the role of disinformation.
Most existing studies are concentrated in high-income and upper-middle-income countries and are primarily published in English. However, low- and lower-middle-income countries, though disproportionately affected by the crisis, are underrepresented in this research landscape.
This call for partnership aims to move beyond content analysis and delve into the broader ecosystem of climate disinformation. By investigating its sources, dissemination strategies, and influence, the program seeks to generate evidence that will help inform policy development and build more resilient and truthful public narratives.
The knowledge produced through supported initiatives will be vital in shaping sound information integrity policies and providing governments with the tools they need to respond effectively.
Moreover, the success of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)—a cornerstone of the Paris Agreement and a key agenda item for COP30 in Brazil—relies heavily on a well-informed public and policy landscape. Disinformation campaigns could derail these efforts if not addressed strategically and proactively.
The primary objective of this initiative is to financially support local, national, regional, and international not-for-profit entities proposing innovative and impactful interventions.
These interventions must contribute to the safeguarding of information integrity on climate change, particularly through work in research, investigative journalism, and strategic science communication.
Funded projects should aim to increase the quality and credibility of climate-related information, thereby supporting informed public debates, policymaking, and evidence-based climate action.
Additionally, applicants are encouraged to produce in-depth research on climate disinformation, including uncovering its sources, strategies, channels, and financial backers. Strategic communication and investigative journalism initiatives will also be supported under this call.
The budget for each selected project will range between USD 30,000 and USD 150,000. Proposals can be submitted in English, French, or Spanish.
To be eligible, applicants must have not-for-profit status and be recognized by UNESCO as implementation partners. These partners are entrusted with full responsibility for managing resources and achieving defined outputs as outlined in official agreements.
Applicants must have been legally registered as not-for-profit entities for at least two years prior to the closing date of the call. Eligible organizations include NGOs, civil society groups, academic institutions, not-for-profit media organizations, and relevant governmental bodies dedicated to addressing climate disinformation.
Entities from low- and lower-middle-income countries—or those with a strong operational focus in these regions—are especially encouraged to apply.
For more information, visit UNESCO.
