Climate Disinformation in Asia: A Deliberate Strategy Against Indigenous Peoples

Asia is home to more than 260 million Indigenous Peoples (IPs). At the same time, they are increasingly targeted by climate disinformation narratives that distort the causes of climate change, promote misleading solutions and obscure responsibility for environmental harm. Drawing on seven country studies from Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Thailand, Climate Disinformation in Asia: A Deliberate Strategy Against Indigenous Peoples demonstrates that climate disinformation is intentional. It is used to reinforce existing power imbalances between Indigenous communities and dominant state and corporate actors. In doing so, such narratives legitimise business activities, government policies and so-called climate actions that encroach upon Indigenous lands and disregard Indigenous rights and interests. The report identifies major forms of climate disinformation across the region which are increasingly operated through selective reporting, omissions and the manipulation of truths. The report shows that climate disinformation marginalises Indigenous participation in decision-making, undermines traditional knowledge and livelihoods, weakens land rights and legitimises criminalisation and violence against Indigenous communities and their defenders. To address these challenges, the report proposes recommendations for governments, international organisations, civil society, the media, technology companies and Indigenous communities; while emphasising the role of constructive journalism in scrutinising power, amplifying Indigenous voices and fostering more informed and accountable climate governance.