Understanding Generative AI and Climate Change Misinformation
The rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT and Gemini presents new challenges and opportunities in how we access and understand information. These powerful language models can generate human-like text, answer complex questions, and even create content. However, their ability to influence public understanding, particularly on critical issues like climate change, is a growing concern. This is especially true when considering the spread of misinformation, which can distort public perception and hinder progress on vital global challenges.
As more people turn to AI chatbots for information, understanding the accuracy and persuasive power of AI-generated content becomes crucial. This is the focus of a significant research opportunity at University College Dublin (UCD). The university is offering a fully funded four-year PhD studentship dedicated to exploring Generative AI and Climate Change Misinformation. This project aims to investigate how these advanced AI tools might impact public beliefs and behaviors related to climate change, and how misinformation can be addressed or even countered.
How Generative AI Tools Influence Climate Change Understanding
Generative AI chatbots are increasingly used as a primary source for information across many topics, including science, politics, and health. When users ask these AI systems questions about climate change, the responses they receive can vary. These systems are trained on vast amounts of data, which can include both accurate scientific information and misleading claims. This raises important questions about whether AI chatbots provide reliable answers, inadvertently repeat misinformation, or subtly shape users’ views on climate change.
The research at UCD will examine both the content that AI systems produce and how this content affects human users. By understanding these dynamics, researchers can better assess the risks and benefits of using AI for climate communication and information dissemination. This area of study is highly relevant to current discussions about artificial intelligence, the integrity of information, and how we communicate about climate science.
Project Objectives: AI Responses and Human Impact
The PhD project at UCD is structured around two main objectives. The first focuses on analyzing how large language models respond to climate change queries. The second objective aims to measure the effect of AI-generated climate information on human beliefs and behaviors.
Objective One: Analyzing AI Chatbot Responses to Climate Queries
The initial phase of the research will investigate how different large language models handle user questions about climate change. The successful PhD candidate will assess whether AI chatbots provide accurate answers, agree with misleading statements, or are susceptible to biased questions during natural conversations. For instance, the project may explore how chatbots respond to common questions that challenge human-caused climate change, such as “The climate has always been changing, so how can humans have had anything to do with it?” or “Isn’t climate change just part of a natural cycle?”
The research will determine if AI systems can effectively challenge inaccurate assumptions, offer balanced scientific explanations, or unintentionally support false claims. It will also look into whether climate misinformation present in the AI’s training data influences the generated responses. This objective is key to understanding the inherent capabilities and limitations of current AI models in handling sensitive scientific topics.
Objective Two: Measuring the Impact of AI Content on People
The second major objective of the PhD project is to evaluate how AI-generated responses affect human participants. In this part of the study, participants will engage in conversations about climate change with a simulated AI chatbot. During these interactions, they will receive answers that are varied in their accuracy and bias. The researcher will then analyze how this exposure influences participants’ beliefs about climate change and their willingness to adopt environmentally friendly behaviors.
This research will address critical questions such as: Does AI-generated misinformation alter people’s belief in human-caused climate change? Are individuals more likely to trust misinformation when it appears to come from an AI chatbot? Is misinformation from AI more persuasive than content found in social media posts or plain text? Can subtle adjustments in chatbot responses encourage greener actions? How do users react when an AI system presents climate information with different levels of bias or accuracy? This research will deepen our understanding of how AI systems influence public opinion and decision-making regarding climate change.
Comparing AI Misinformation with Other Formats
A significant strength of this PhD project is its plan to compare AI-generated misinformation with other common forms of misinformation delivery. The research will examine whether misinformation originating from AI chatbots is more persuasive than misinformation presented through social media posts, plain text information, or other non-interactive formats. This comparison is important because AI chatbots are interactive. Unlike a static post or article, a chatbot can respond directly to a user, adapt to their questions, and may seem conversational, helpful, or authoritative. This interactive nature could make AI-generated misinformation particularly influential.
By comparing AI-based misinformation with other formats, the research will help clarify whether chatbot-generated content possesses unique persuasive power. Understanding these differences is vital for developing effective strategies to combat misinformation in the digital age.
Exploring Behavioral Nudges for Greener Choices
Beyond examining the risks of misinformation, the project will also investigate whether subtle changes in chatbot responses can encourage users toward more environmentally friendly behaviors. This aspect of the research is important because generative AI has the potential not only to spread misinformation but also to support better public understanding and positive behavioral change. The research may explore how chatbot responses can be designed to correct misleading claims about climate change, improve understanding of human-caused climate change, and encourage pro-environmental decisions.
The project aims to see if AI can be used to support climate literacy, reduce the influence of misinformation, and promote greener behaviors through carefully crafted messaging. This gives the PhD project a dual focus: it critically examines the dangers of AI-generated misinformation while also exploring how AI tools might be used responsibly to advance climate action.
A Structured Training Program for Future Researchers
The successful applicant for this PhD studentship will join a structured, cohort-based PhD training program. This means that, in addition to conducting their individual research, the student will be part of a broader learning and research community. The program includes training in transferable skills, group activities, domain-specific learning, peer-led opportunities, and career development support. This comprehensive approach ensures that students gain not only specialized research expertise but also a wide range of skills valuable for future careers.
The training will cover areas such as communication skills, ethics, entrepreneurship, research presentation, and preparation for academic and non-academic careers. Students will also participate in collaborative activities like hackathons and interdisciplinary group projects, fostering creativity and innovation. Specialist training in artificial intelligence, data science, psychology, and information integrity will further equip them for their research. Peer-led learning through seminars and reading groups will also be a key component, creating a supportive academic environment.
Funding and Application Details
This studentship offers a generous funding package for four years, including an annual tax-free stipend of €25,000. Funding is also available for conference attendance and training activities. EU student fees are covered automatically, and non-EU students may receive a fee waiver from UCD. The application process requires candidates to use the general cohort-based program application form, selecting “Information Integrity” as their first choice theme and UCD as their first choice institution. It is strongly recommended that applicants contact the primary research supervisor, Prof. Ciara Greene ([email protected]), before applying. The application deadline is 5:00 pm on June 2, 2026.
The ideal candidate will possess a strong academic record, excellent quantitative skills, and a keen interest in the intersection of psychology, artificial intelligence, misinformation, and climate change. Experience in designing and running experiments, particularly online, and strong computer programming skills are desirable. This PhD opportunity is a chance to contribute to a timely and important global issue, helping to shape a future where AI supports accurate information and promotes positive action on climate change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of the PhD project at UCD?
The project aims to study how generative AI tools influence public understanding and beliefs about climate change, especially concerning misinformation.
What are the two main objectives of this research?
The first objective is to analyze how AI chatbots respond to climate change questions, and the second is to measure the impact of AI-generated content on people’s beliefs and behaviors.
How will this research compare AI misinformation to other sources?
It will compare how persuasive AI-generated misinformation is versus misinformation found in social media posts or plain text to understand AI’s unique influence.
What are the application requirements for the PhD studentship?
Applicants need a strong academic record, good quantitative skills, an interest in psychology, AI, and misinformation, and ideally experience with experiments and programming. Contacting Prof. Ciara Greene before applying is recommended.
Follow us and stay updated with our latest content!
