The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) faces undeniable threats from climate change, yet media coverage can distort these realities, sometimes fueling climate change denial. We examine a case where a media release, about an annual increase in coral cover in some regions of the GBR, led to problematic reporting and a surge in online climate science denial. By tracing the trajectory of media coverage and social media commentary following the release, we reveal how science communication can become politicized and contribute to climate science denial. Although the critical threat of climate change to the GBR is irrefutable, the media release foregrounded ‘reef recovery’, overshadowing ongoing threats to the GBR and leading to widespread misinformation and skepticism about climate change. Our analysis highlights the critical role of media framing in shaping public perceptions of climate science. By understanding the complex pathways through which science messages travel and transform in the media, we can improve public understanding and support for evidence-based climate policies. We provide recommendations for communicators, emphasizing the need for strategic framing that accurately reflects scientific findings. This study underscores importance of interdisciplinary approaches in science communication, particularly in context of urgent environmental issues like climate change and biodiversity loss.