"Rise of Wellness Influencers: Uncovering Their Latest Conspiracy"

Wellness influencers, with large followings, are spreading misinformation about climate change, suggesting conspiracy theories about extreme weather events and climate policies. This trend, which gained momentum during the pandemic with anti-vax sentiment, is now targeting climate change. The influencers' messages, often framed as speaking truth to power, are creating strong parasocial connections with followers and undermining efforts to tackle the climate crisis. Experts are concerned about the profound impact of this misinformation on beliefs, depoliticizing people, and reaching new, younger audiences. Efforts to counter the misinformation include respectful engagement, pre-bunking, and calls for clearer policies and regulation on social media platforms.