TLDR
TikTok is sending Australian science communicator Dr Karl Kruszelnicki to the COP31 climate conference in Antalya as part of its delegation, and is giving A$200,000 in ad credits to seven Australian climate groups and universities. Dr Karl will host a TikTok LIVE Q&A during the conference, which runs from 9 to 20 November.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Dr Karl's role
TikTok is sending Dr Karl Kruszelnicki to COP31, the United Nations climate conference co-hosted by the Turkish and Australian governments in Antalya, as one of four global creators in its delegation. He will take questions during the conference on TikTok LIVE. Dr Karl has more than 100 million views and 5.7 million likes on the platform.[1] COP31 runs from 9 to 20 November.[2]
"Our future and climate change go hand-in-hand, and I'm excited to be taking Australians to COP31 on TikTok," Dr Karl said.[1]
The money
TikTok is giving the equivalent of A$200,000 (US$140,000) in ad credits to help seven Australian organisations make climate content on the platform: the Australian Conservation Foundation, the Australian Marine Conservation Society, Doctors for the Environment Australia, WWF-Australia, the University of Canberra, the University of Melbourne and the University of Queensland.[1]
Creators and misinformation
Verified for Climate, a joint program of the United Nations and social impact agency Purpose that works with creators to counter climate misinformation, is expanding to Australian TikTok creators. Maddie Massy will attend COP31 through it. "Creators like me are trusted voices in communities around the world," she said.[1]
TikTok says its #ClimateAction campaign has passed 6 billion video views since COP26 in 2021, and that its community guidelines bar climate misinformation that could cause significant harm while allowing a range of opinions on climate and environmental policy.[1][3]
SOURCES & CITATIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why is Dr Karl going to COP31?
Which Australian groups get TikTok ad credits?
When is COP31?
James Dore is founder and editor of Prompt the Market and Strategy Director at Bushnote, a Sydney strategy, SEO and AI search agency. He has a background in strategy, media and financial services, and led consumer product marketing at MONEYME. He writes on AI search, answer engines, technology policy and media economics.
