Researchers from the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) contributed to the Expert Round Table on Climate Misinformation, organized within the framework of the MIP4Adapt initiative. MIP4Adapt (Mission Implementation Platform) is the central support mechanism for the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change, aiding regions and local authorities in planning and implementing climate resilience strategies. It provides technical assistance, community building, and funding guidance to Charter signatories.
The event brought together leading experts from science, policy, and practice to discuss emerging challenges related to climate misinformation and to explore strategies for improving evidence-based climate communication and adaptation decision-making.
IIASA was represented by Nadejda Komendantova from the Cooperation and Transformative Governance Group, who participated as an invited expert in the round-table discussions. Her contribution focused on the governance dimensions of climate misinformation, emphasizing how misinformation affects public trust, policy legitimacy, and collective action on climate adaptation.
During the discussions, participants examined how climate misinformation spreads across digital platforms and socio-political contexts, the implications for climate policy and adaptation planning, and the role of institutions and governance frameworks in countering misleading narratives. Particular attention was paid to the importance of inclusive, transparent, and participatory communication strategies that strengthen societal resilience to misinformation.
Komendantova highlighted the need for transformative governance approaches that integrate scientific knowledge with stakeholder engagement, stressing that effective responses to climate misinformation require cooperation across disciplines, sectors, and governance levels. She also underlined the relevance of co-production of knowledge and trust-building mechanisms between scientists, policymakers, and citizens.
The Expert Round Table forms part of the broader activities of MIP4Adapt, which aims to support climate adaptation by improving the interface between science, policy, and society, including addressing risks posed by misinformation and misperception in climate-related decision-making. IIASA’s participation in the event reflects its ongoing commitment to advancing research on climate governance, communication, and adaptation, and to contributing scientific expertise to international policy-relevant dialogues.
News
03 July 2026
Building bridges: Indian Ambassador visits IIASA
H.E. Ambassador Shambhu S. Kumaran, India's Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna, recently visited IIASA to explore deeper research cooperation and meet the Institute's Indian Young Scientists Summer Program (YSSP) cohort.
03 July 2026
Tree-Quest: a citizen science tool for collecting single-tree information
Tree-Quest is a citizen science mobile tool that enables users to measure aboveground biomass related attributes (tree diameter, height and species) and estimate carbon stored in trees while contributing data for forest and urban tree mapping, supporting research on biomass and carbon storage. Engaged citizens can measure nearby trees in their local surroundings, such as parks and along the streets in urban areas, integrating science into their daily routines. This helps generate valuable ground-based observations on trees in urban environments that can be used for satellite-based carbon assessment.
02 July 2026
IIASA welcomes delegation from the National Research Foundation South Africa
A delegation from South Africa's National Research Foundation (NRF) visited IIASA to exchange knowledge on systems approaches to disruptive change, innovation, and evidence-informed decision-making. The visit reflects the longstanding collaboration between IIASA and South Africa.