Debunking hoaxes: Journalists and experts join forces to strengthen environmental communication in the age of misinformation

Madrid, June 3 (EFEverde).- Strengthening environmental and energy communication and combating hoaxes and misinformation is the objective of the course organized by the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), the Association of Environmental Journalists (APIA), and Red Eléctrica Española (REE), on July 7 and 8, with the participation of journalists, scientists, and specialized technicians.

Aimed at undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students in communication fields, as well as professionals in the environmental and energy sectors, the course offers specialized training ranging from key concepts of the energy transition to social media verification techniques.

Environmental journalist and National Environmental Award winner Arturo Larena, director of EFEverde, will speak on July 8th at a conference entitled "How to Debunk Hoaxes in the Newsroom," in which he will share his experience leading an agency specializing in environmental and scientific information.

In addition, Larena will participate in the final roundtable discussion alongside Sandra Sutherland (TVE), José Luis Gallego (environmental educator and radio host), and María García de la Fuente, president of APIA and co-director of the course.

Topics and speakers

• Energy transition and communication : opening with presentations by Eloy Sanz and Gemma Teso Alonso , co-director of the course.

• Energy disinformation : analysis of hoaxes from press offices with Eva Santiago , from science with Rubén del Campo (AEMET), and from data analysis with Pedro Fresco Torralba .

• Media and verification : strategies from the press, radio, and television to combat disinformation.

• Practical workshop : closing with a workshop on verifying hoaxes on social media, led by Maribel Ángel-Moreno .

• Technical visit : to the Electrical Control Center (Cecoel) of Red Eléctrica, to learn firsthand about the management of the Spanish electrical system.

A participatory approach

The course uses a participatory methodology, combining presentations, roundtable discussions, and practical activities to promote critical reflection and collaborative work between students and experts. This training seeks not only to inform but also to empower future communicators and industry professionals to rigorously address the climate and energy emergency.

The course is coordinated by María Gemma Teso Alonso (UCM) and María García de la Fuente (APIA), and is supported by Red Eléctrica Española, EFEverde.