Responding to ICLEI’s New Misinformation Page: Transparency or Deflection?

Responding to ICLEI’s Misinformation Page: Transparency or Deflection?

So instead of addressing direct questions posed by concerned citizens, through an Open Letter, ICLEI Canada has published a new page on their website titled "Responding to Climate Misinformation." While the title suggests a genuine effort to clarify misunderstandings, the content raises more questions than it answers and seems to shift focus rather than engage transparently with legitimate public concerns.

Open Letter to ICLEI Canada: Request for Information on ICLEI's Origin, Program Implementation, and Funding Sources

What ICLEI Says

The page defines climate misinformation and disinformation as efforts that "create a distorted perception of climate science and solutions" and claims these campaigns "weaken the public mandate for effective domestic and international policies aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement."

The document further suggests that:

• Populist parties and "well-orchestrated networks" are behind misinformation campaigns.

• The availability of AI tools has empowered individuals and small groups to promote personal perspectives, which they suggest are often misinformed or agenda-driven.

• Local governments must respond to these challenges.

Key Observations

1. No Response to Direct Questions: ICLEI fails to address legitimate questions raised about their programs, including:

   • The funding sources for ICLEI Canada.

   • The role of ICLEI in endorsing suppliers or promoting specific technologies like those on WIPO GREEN.

   • Details on how their programs align with international agreements like Agenda 21 or the Paris Agreement.

   • The potential costs and liabilities associated with programs like the Partners for Climate Protection (PCP).

2. Deflection Through Labeling: By labeling questions and concerns as "misinformation" or "disinformation," ICLEI avoids engaging directly with the substance of public critiques. Instead of offering transparency, they frame dissenting voices as part of a broader misinformation campaign, which risks alienating the public rather than fostering trust.

3. Dismissive Tone: The mention of "populist parties" and individuals using AI tools to "promote personal perspectives" feels dismissive of grassroots concerns. It paints those raising questions as part of a "well-orchestrated network" rather than acknowledging that many citizens simply want clarity on how global frameworks affect local governance.

4. Undermining Local Voices: Ironically, ICLEI’s stance on misinformation seems to undermine the very principles of local decision-making and public consultation that they claim to support. If municipalities are withdrawing from programs like PCP, shouldn’t the focus be on understanding why, rather than blaming misinformation?

A Missed Opportunity

The page could have been an opportunity for ICLEI to:

• Clarify its mission and operations.

• Address concerns about costs, liabilities, and program implementation.

• Build trust by engaging openly with critics rather than categorizing them as misinformed.

Instead, ICLEI has chosen to position itself as a victim of "well-orchestrated networks," without addressing the legitimate questions raised by those who are directly affected by their policies.

Call for Transparency

If ICLEI is committed to fostering public understanding and collaboration, they should answer the following:

1. Who funds ICLEI Canada, and how are those funds allocated?

2. What specific recommendations and policies are municipalities adopting through ICLEI programs?

3. What are the liabilities and long-term commitments associated with programs like PCP?

4. How does ICLEI validate technologies or suppliers before recommending them to municipalities?

5. What steps are taken to ensure public consent and consultation for implementing ICLEI-driven policies?

Final Thoughts

Accusations of misinformation are serious and should not be used as a blanket response to avoid accountability. Transparency, dialogue, and a willingness to engage openly with critics are far more effective ways to build trust and dispel doubts.

Canadians deserve answers—not deflections.

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