04. The 2030 Impact of Misinformation and Political Inaction

04: The 2030 Impact of Misinformation and Political Inaction

In 2030, a fictional country named Pacifica, located in the Southern Hemisphere, faces severe climate change impacts. Despite clear scientific evidence, a popular social media influencer, Alex Martinez, spreads misinformation claiming climate change is a hoax. This false narrative gains traction among Pacifica's youth, leading to widespread apathy towards environmental policies. The government, struggling with political divisions and influenced by oil lobbyists, fails to implement necessary environmental reforms. Schools and universities, lacking in media literacy education, are unable to counteract the misinformation. The Pacifica Times, a major newspaper, remains silent due to its ownership's financial interests in fossil fuels.

Individual outcomes

Individuals like Maria, a high school student in Pacifica’s capital, become disillusioned and disengaged from environmental activism or radicalises her societal and political views. This radicalisation nudges her to the use of violence and destruction of infrastructure.

Societal outcomes

Societally, Pacifica faces unchecked environmental degradation, leading to severe weather events and resource scarcity, impacting millions. It also leads to the rupture of social relationships/groups.

Competences involved in this scenario:

Social systems affected by this scenario:

M2. Media bias
M3. Role of media in democracy
M6. Claim verification

Environmental Protection Agencies
Media
Educational Institutions
Government
Political System