Information gaps in the global implementation of green hydrogen: A digital media-based analysis of socioenvironmental impacts and challenges

Green hydrogen (GH₂) is increasingly positioned as a cornerstone of the global energy transition, offering a pathway to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, its production entails socio-environmental risks such as biodiversity loss, land-use change, and intensive water consumption that are often underrepresented in public discourse. This study hypothesizes that, although GH₂ has gained global relevance, digital news media in strategic countries tend to underreport its socio-environmental challenges, influenced by local socioeconomic and informational contexts. The objective was to analyze how socio-environmental impacts of GH₂ are represented in freely accessible digital news media from 12 countries with diverse geographic, economic, and energy profiles. Using Google Advanced Search, the 100 most relevant articles per country (2012–2023) were collected, excluding blogs and opinion pieces. Articles were categorized by approach, scope, funding, energy source, impacts, and challenges. Data were compiled into a presence/absence matrix and analyzed with Principal Component Analysis (PCA), incorporating socioeconomic indicators such as GDP, Gini index, protected area coverage and WPFI. Results showed a predominance of economic and technological narratives, while socio-environmental risks appeared in less than 25 % of articles. Coverage varied among countries: Morocco and Chile highlighted water scarcity, whereas Brazil downplayed land-use pressures. PCA distinguished clusters, with emerging economies stressing exports and financing, while countries with higher biodiversity protection emphasized ecological risks. Overall, media discourse tended to “economize” GH₂, marginalizing environmental concerns and limiting critical debate. These patterns reinforce information asymmetries and highlight the need for more balanced communication to align GH₂ development with sustainability goals. • The study analysed possible negative socioenvironmental impacts of the implementation of green hydrogen (GH2). • The information disseminated by the media could influence public acceptance, development strategies and decision-making. • Only 10 % of news articles addressed possible impacts related to implementation, revealing limited media attention. • Perceptions and evaluations of the impacts associated to GH2 varied globally, depending on socioeconomic perspectives. • The main challenges identified corresponded to the implementation of technologies.