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According to Reuters, it has been discovered that YouTube is making millions of dollars annually from advertising on channels that spread incorrect information on climate change. This is because content creators are able to expertly circumvent the policies that are designed to counteract false claims.
A research that was released on Tuesday by the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) sheds light on the disturbing trend as well as the evolving techniques that are being utilized by content makers who deny climate change.
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Climate Misinformation Runs Rampant on YouTube
Utilizing artificial intelligence, the Center for Cyber Defense and Human Rights (CCDH), a non-profit group that monitors hate speech on the internet, has analyzed transcripts from an astounding 12,058 videos over the course of the past six years.
A total of 96 YouTube channels, which are well-known for promoting information that challenges the scientific consensus on climate change, notably the premise that human conduct contributes to long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns, were used as a source for these films.
The investigation showed a shift in the content of climate denial that was purposeful in nature. The channels that were examined altered their focus from overtly denying global warming or its anthropogenic origins to opposing climate solutions, portraying global warming as innocuous, and doubting the veracity of climate research and environmental movements by shifting their focus from denying global warming to fighting climate solutions.
This narrative, which the CCDH refers to as the “New Denial” narrative, now accounts for an astounding 70 percent of the climate denial content that is found on these channels. This is a considerable increase from the 35 percent that was there just five years ago.
YouTube Profits from Climate Misinformation
Imran Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer of CCDH, underscored the significance of this change by declaring, “A new front has opened up in this fierce conflict.” The individuals who we have been seeing have gone from claiming that climate change is not occurring to stating that they are now saying, “Hey, climate change is occurring but there is no hope.” There is no option for a solution.'”
The misunderstanding regarding the climate has significant repercussions for an organization’s finances. According to the contents of the report, YouTube is reportedly making up to $13.4 million annually from advertisements that are displayed on the channels that are being investigated.
Content makers have discovered ways to exploit loopholes, which ensures a profitable stream of cash, despite the fact that YouTube’s standards clearly prohibit ad revenue for videos that promote incorrect claims about climate change.
YouTube refrained from openly commenting on the findings, although it did defend its practices in reaction to the investigation. It is permissible to engage in debate or discussion on issues pertaining to climate change, including those concerning public policy or research, according to a spokeswoman. When, on the other hand, content crosses the line into denying the existence of climate change, we stop presenting advertisements on those movies.
According to the Center for Climate Change and Disasters (CCDH), YouTube should revise its standards regarding content that denies climate change. The CCDH also believes that the findings of the investigation could assist the larger environmental movement in combating erroneous claims about global warming.
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Climate Denial Among Teen Viewers
This insight comes at a crucial time, as the environment of climate denial on YouTube continues to grow, creating difficulties to public knowledge and support for climate action. YouTube is a platform that has been increasingly popular in recent years.
The findings of a poll conducted by the Pew Research Center highlight the significance of YouTube in the process of opinion formation, particularly among adolescents. With 71% of adolescents utilizing the platform on a regular basis, the influence of information on YouTube that denies climate change poses a significant threat to the process of constructing a consensus on the critical need to take action about climate change.
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