Silence Facilitates Disinformation
How the Albanese Government Fails on Climate Change “Teachable Moments”
Paper Summary
This analysis looks into how the Australian Government communicated during a period of unprecedented extreme weather in January 2026, and whether it used the opportunity to inform the public about the role of climate change.
During this time, Australia experienced record-breaking heat, flooding, and prolonged extreme conditions — part of a broader global pattern driven by warming. Such events present a clear “teachable moment” to connect people’s lived experience with the larger climate system and the risks it poses.
However, across 125 media appearances by senior ministers, the link between these events and climate change was made only twice, and only briefly. The findings suggest a significant missed opportunity to strengthen public understanding, with government silence effectively leaving space for confusion and disinformation.
In the face of a barrage of climate disinformation, silence from those who should be countering it constitutes an own goal.
paper
Silence Facilitates Disinformation
Government misses an obvious climate moment during extreme weather crisis.
About the Author
David Spratt
Research Director and Climate Analyst
Author examining existential threats, policy failures and urgent mitigation requirements globally.
