TikTok Pledges $1M at COP28 to Fight Climate Change Misinformation

As global audiences on TikTok engage in climate conversations, the platform acknowledges a rising risk of misinformation. During COP28 at Expo City Dubai, Ian Gill, Global Head of Sustainability at TikTok, shared insights about the platform's response to the challenge. TikTok has introduced a $1 million initiative dedicated to addressing climate misinformation, collaborating with Verified for Climate, a joint program of the United Nations and Purpose.

Tackling Misinformation at COP28

Under the initiative, TikTok forms a team of 'Verified Champions,' including scientists and experts from Brazil, the UAE, and Spain. These champions will collaborate with TikTok creators to develop educational content, aiming to counter climate misinformation and disinformation. This effort aligns with TikTok's commitment to prohibiting content undermining established scientific consensus on climate change.

Global Impact and Community Engagement

Highlighting TikTok's impact, Ian Gill revealed that the platform witnessed over 100 billion video views on climate and sustainability last year. Popular hashtags like #climatechange, #ClimateAction, and #SustainableLiving collectively garnered billions of views, showcasing the community's interest in climate-related content. As part of the global #ClimateAction campaign, TikTok collaborated with Emirates Nature-WWF to launch 'Nature Diaries,' an exclusive video series promoting climate action and literacy.

Quality Conversations and Partnerships

Emphasizing the importance of both quantity and quality in climate conversations, TikTok actively relaunches hashtags at major events like COP28. The platform aims to transform climate anxiety into empowerment by encouraging meaningful discussions. Partnerships contribute to this goal, including a documentary series on climate education content. Additionally, TikTok has global creators at COP28 driving video views around climate action, focusing on democratizing and demystifying the conversation.

TikTok's Role at COP28

Ian Gill expressed TikTok's enthusiasm for participating in COP28, considering it a significant moment in the sustainability calendar. With a billion monthly active users, TikTok leverages its global user base to amplify climate conversations. The platform continuously explores ways to engage audiences in climate discussions, turning these conversations into impactful initiatives. Ian Gill concluded by affirming TikTok's commitment to contributing positively to the global sustainability dialogue.