WikiIndaba 2023/Submissions/Bridging The Gap:Using Wikipedia to Fight Climate Denialism in Africa

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Author(s): Bukola O. James, Tolulope, O. Adeyemo	Username(s): Bukky658,	Type of submission: lightning talk
Author(s): Bukola O. James, Tolulope, O. Adeyemo	Affiliation: Code for Africa	Theme(s): Community Engagement, Partnerships, Climate change and Sustainability
Abstract: This lightning talk will highlight the lessons learnt from the Wikipedia African Climate Disinformation Task Force, initiated by Code for Africa as part of its Wikipedian in Residence project, with support from the Institute for Strategic Dialogue. The taskforce, funded by the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), aimed to combat climate denialism, and delaysm, by utilising tools for detecting unsourced statements and related mis/disinformation on Wikipedia and its sister projects. The project involved the support of CfA’s PesaCheck team to empower four (4) Wikipedian in Residence fellows, who provided guidance and assistance to 70 Wikipedia contributors. Together, they conducted 29 edit-a-thons/ debunk-a-thons across several countries in Africa. These collaborative efforts resulted in numerous fact-checks, and debunks on climate related topics on Wikipedia with the addition of new and accurate information to Wikidata, and the contribution of a substantial number of images to Wikimedia Commons. The approach can be replicated in other contexts, by linking fact-checking expertise and networks with Wikipedian communities.		Level of advancement: medium
		Special requirements: A presentation arena with facility for slide presentation
		Extra information:

How will this session be beneficial for the communities in the region? Combating climate misinformation: The session will highlight and help attendees learn how Wikipedia can effectively combat climate denialism in Africa through debunk-a-thons and edit-a-thons. Capacity building and skill development: Attendees will learn how the Wikipedian in Residence program promoted capacity building and the development of new skills for volunteer editors. This ensures the provision of accurate and comprehensive climate-related information about Africa on Wikipedia and its sister projects. Community engagement and collaboration: This session will help participants learn about the strategies adopted for collaboration with partners and community engagement with Wikimedians. These strategies can be applied to address not only climate denialism but also other topical issues within the movement. Amplifying African perspectives: This session will help participants identify how topics of impact, such as climate change, can be used to amplify African perspectives on Wikipedia. It ensures the accurate representation and sharing of the unique experiences, challenges, and solutions specific to the African context with a global audience.

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