Claim selection
We select a factual statement that is specific enough to test and consequential enough to correct. Opinion, satire, an open-ended prediction, or a policy preference is not converted into a scientific claim merely because ACC disagrees with it.
Original context
Every case records the exact excerpt, account or publisher, platform, truthful circulation date, original URL, archive URL when available, and the provenance of any displayed image. A recreated quote treatment must be labeled as recreated.
Evidence hierarchy
At least two directly relevant reputable sources, normally including a primary dataset, government scientific assessment, or peer-reviewed research.
- Direct measurements and primary datasets
- Peer-reviewed research and systematic reviews
- Major scientific assessments and government science agencies
- Reputable secondary reporting for reach, chronology, or context
AI summaries, anonymous posts, uncited graphics, and advocacy excerpts do not decide a verdict.
Verdict definitions
| False | The central factual claim is contradicted by directly relevant evidence. |
|---|---|
| Misleading | The claim uses a true detail, quotation, or number to support an inference the evidence does not justify. |
| Unsupported | The claim supplies inadequate evidence and ACC cannot verify its asserted conclusion. |
| Missing context | Important scope, baseline, geography, timing, or uncertainty changes the reasonable interpretation. |
| Unverifiable | The available record is insufficient for a responsible verdict. |
Attribution boundary
ACC evaluates the claim. It does not infer intent, coordination, funding, deception, or control without direct evidence specific to that attribution.
A false claim alone does not prove deliberate lying, coordination, or fossil-fuel funding. Those are separate factual questions requiring their own direct evidence.
Publication gate
A case cannot enter the public archive or feed a public social edition until its source review, image-rights review, calculation check, and human editorial approval are recorded. Draft pages remain excluded from the sitemap and carry a noindex directive.
Corrections and revisions
Material corrections are dated, explained, and retained in the revision history.
Minor copy edits may be summarized. Any change to the claim, verdict, quantitative result, source interpretation, or publication boundary receives a dated public note.
See also ACC Research Standards and the broader Climate Information & Disinformation guide.