In an area of rapid digital communication and constant information flow, the ability to distinguish truth from falsehood has become a prerequisite for effective civic participation and climate action. The Placemaking for Climate Mitigation workshops addressed this challenge directly through a session led by journalist Haris Dimaras, focusing on misinformation, media literacy, and the role of citizens as informed actors.

At the heart of the discussion was the “right to information”.This right, participants learned, is as fundamental to democratic participation as the “right to repair” is to consumer autonomy. Access to reliable information enables citizens to understand environmental challenges, participate in decision-making, and hold institutions accountable.

The workshop introduced a compelling analogy: citizens as “volunteer firefighters” and journalists as “professional firefighters.” Citizens often identify local problems first, such as illegal dumping, environmental degradation, and unsafe infrastructure, while professional journalists are responsible for verifying, contextualising, and responsibly communicating these findings. Both roles are necessary, but they serve different functions within the information ecosystem.

A major challenge explored during the session was the rise of Artificial Intelligence and deepfake technologies. Unlike traditional manipulated media, AI-generated images are created pixel-by-pixel using vast datasets, often lacking the metadata that verification tools typically rely on. Participants were trained to identify physical and visual inconsistencies that AI still struggles to replicate accurately, such as anatomical anomalies, unrealistic shadows, distorted reflections, or mismatched backgrounds.

Beyond technical skills, the workshop focused on the social architecture of misinformation. Fake news is rarely neutral; it often exploits fear, uncertainty, and existing prejudices to undermine trust and paralyse collective action. Participants discussed how misinformation spreads more effectively when it resonates emotionally rather than factually.

To address this, the session introduced the “Truth Sandwich” technique: begin with a verified fact, briefly acknowledge the false claim, and conclude by reinforcing the truth. This method helps debunk misinformation without amplifying it. For example, instead of repeating a viral rumour about unsafe nutrition practices, communicators should first state established medical guidance before addressing and correcting the false claim.

The workshop emphasised that effective climate advocacy requires moving beyond anonymous complaints toward knowledge-based participation. Developing critical thinking, consulting experts, and using tools such as reverse image searches enable citizens to become active contributors to reliable information chains rather than passive consumers.