The scientific community has an important role in intervening when misinformation is used in policy-related debates, especially when pseudo-scientific arguments are being used. This is a common problem with regards to environmental policies. This paper focuses on the case of the EU’s Green Deal, and specifically the Sustainable Use Regulation (SUR) and Nature Restoration Law (NRL). We compare eight of the claims made against the SUR and NRL with the scientific evidence, demonstrating why, based on science, the NRL and SUR are essential. We summarize the path of policy developments and the impact of the Open Letter published in 2023, signed by 6000 scientists. Based on these experiences we recommend scientists to be more proactive in relevant policy debates, debunking misinformation where needed. We recommend policy makers to use the science, and involve scientists, in setting ambitious environmental policies. The call made by 6000 scientists, to proceed with the Green Deal, remains valid. 

The claims and counterclaims presented in the paper (preprint - version 5.2.2024) are based on those published in an open letter. The initial version (preprint 1) was published on 16.6.2023 and accompanied by 3339 signatures. The second version was published on 9.7.2023 with 6000 signatures by scientists. These are available as previous preprint versions, alongside the list of signatories.