Accurate Information Sharing and Combating Disinformation on Climate Change: A Comparison of Climatefeedback.org and Teyit.org

Purpose: This research aimed to comparatively examine the role and potential of fact-checking platforms in producing accurate information and preventing disinformation about climate change. Method: In the study, the texts (n=584) of the fact-checking and fact-sharing reviews on climate change conducted by Teyit.org (Türkiye) and Climatefeedback.org (France) fact-checking platforms were analyzed through quantitative content analysis. The texts were categorized by the study authors into different aspects such as topic, types of claim, and claim makers. The data were entered into the SPSS program to make clear calculations, and the findings revealed through cross-tabulation were discussed. Findings: The findings reveal differences in the subject matter of disinformation, the actors involved in the content preparation process, and the use of corrective resources. While there is a similarity in the way fact-checking platforms are implemented, the content emphasizes the causes and effects of climate change. Implications: Since it was determined in the research that disinformative content on climate change is widespread, the need to overcome disinformation and provide accurate information comes to the forefront. At this point, it was concluded that fact-checking platforms play an important role and have potential with their content, scientific determinations, transparency, and accessibility in enhancing climate change literacy. It was concluded that Climatefeedback.org's scientific aspect is stronger in terms of the actors preparing the content and corrective resources, and Teyit.org needs improvement in terms of the number of fact-checks. Originality: Research examining the role, similarities, and differences of fact-checking platforms in the process of producing accurate information on climate change is quite limited. Being the first study on the production of accurate information on climate change in Türkiye, the application of fact-checking platforms emphasized aspects, differences, and suggestions that represent the original aspect of this study.