A summer of extreme lies: Heatwave and wildfire climate disinformation in 2026

This report examines how climate disinformation spread online during major heatwaves and wildfires in 2026. It documents recurring narratives across social media, including claims that extreme weather was ordinary, exaggerated by media or scientists, caused by arson or weather manipulation, or proof that climate and energy policies had failed. The report argues that these narratives resurfaced despite repeated warnings from researchers and civil society that extreme weather events would be used to spread misleading claims.

The conclusion of the report is that climate disinformation during disasters is predictable, repeated and amplified by platform systems. The report calls for stronger transparency, safety and accountability measures for social media companies, warning that false claims can drown out reliable information when people are seeking guidance during dangerous events. It frames platform inaction as a growing public safety risk as climate change makes extreme weather more frequent and severe.