Unveiling the dynamics of climate change narratives: A Google Trends analysis

Erokhin, D. & Komendantova, N. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2568-6179 (2024). Unveiling the dynamics of climate change narratives: A Google Trends analysis. Observatorio (OBS*) 18 (5) 10.15847/obsOBS18520242567.

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Abstract

This study explores public interest and misinformation surrounding climate change through an analysis of Google Trends data. It focuses on online search behaviors related to “climate”, “climate change”, “climate hoax”, and “HAARP” throughout 2023. By tracking search patterns, we aim to understand public perceptions, concerns, and the influence of misinformation on climate change discourse. Our findings indicate a strong temporal and regional variability in search interest, which spikes notably during significant events like Earth Day and in response to public statements by influential figures. The results demonstrate high engagement in regions with direct climate impact, such as Africa and parts of Asia, contrasted with varied engagement in Western nations. Notably, the data reveals significant public intrigue following conspiracy narratives during specific periods, which emphasizes the role of misinformation in shaping public discourse. This analysis underscores the need for targeted communication strategies to effectively address public misconceptions and enhance the understanding of climate-related issues. This research highlights the utility of Google Trends as a tool for real-time monitoring of public interest and misinformation and offers valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and activists to tailor their approaches to combat climate change more effectively. Through its comprehensive analysis, the study contributes to the broader understanding of how digital tools can aid in the ongoing efforts to engage the public in meaningful climate action discussions.

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