Information mediation as an epistemic strategy against environmental denialism

Abstract

Introduction: Denialism, traditionally used to invalidate the existence of certain groups, reaches a new level in terms of its destructive power: the creation of narratives capable of affecting all of humanity. Objective: To theoretically ground information mediation as an epistemic framework for confronting information denial, based on the proposition of an analytical model that contrasts the dynamics of mediating actions with denialist practices in the context of environmental information. Methodology: This descriptive study, conducted using the comparative method, selected non-random samples related to environmental issues, more specifically on the topics of dengue—which, although interdisciplinarily linked to the health field, is also addressed within the environmental domain—and wildfires, given the record of approximately two hundred billion square meters affected by fire in Brazil in 2024. Results: It was observed that denialist movements aim to impose a sense of individualism on society, a foundational parameter of domination, in addition to being based on partial or completely false data. In contrast, mediating actions sought to guarantee and promote human dignity, strengthen relationships and community ties, as well as emphasize the need for action on environmental issues, supported by scientific knowledge and competent institutions. Conclusions: The denialist practices studied propagate individual solutions without proper professional guidance, disqualify the scientific production process, and promote individualistic practices; they attempt to downplay the severity of existing problems through false comparisons; present false or non-existent data (thereby undermining the use of reliable information sources); as well as create a sense of urgency aimed at generating despair, in an attempt to impose ideas through fear. In this sense, the informational agent, as a catalyst for the appropriation of environmental information, is both observable and necessary, since its presence or absence in crisis scenarios can directly influence the impact on relations involving environmental information.