Climate Scientist Katharine Hayhoe Warns of Rising Social Media Denialism

Climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe said climate denialism is increasing on social media platforms despite the rise of extreme weather events.

This trend complicates global efforts to mitigate warming, as algorithmic amplification often isolates conservative and faith-based audiences from scientific consensus.

Hayhoe, an evangelical Christian based in Texas, said the way social media platforms function contributes to the spread of misinformation. She said algorithms are designed to prioritize engagement, which often means pushing content that confirms a user's existing beliefs rather than presenting factual evidence.

To counter this, Hayhoe focuses on reaching people through shared values. By linking climate science with faith and scripture, she aims to bridge the gap for those who might otherwise dismiss environmental warnings. This approach allows her to communicate the urgency of climate action within a framework that resonates with conservative communities.

Hayhoe said public awareness is often tied to the frequency of extreme weather. However, the digital environment can shield users from these realities or provide alternative explanations that reinforce denialism.

Speaking with the World Economic Forum, Hayhoe discussed these dynamics approximately two years ^[1] after her previous appearance at Radio Davos. She said the challenge is not necessarily a lack of information, but rather the delivery and framing of that information in an era of digital polarization.

Her work involves navigating the intersection of science and religion to dismantle the idea that faith and environmental stewardship are contradictory. By addressing the psychological and technological drivers of denial, she seeks to expand the coalition of people supporting climate solutions.