Ross Gelbspan, a journalist who exposed the financial interests fueling climate change denial, has died, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy for truth in environmental reporting.
Brian Murphy reports for The Washington Post.
In short:
- Gelbspan criticized the media for not adequately challenging climate change skeptics influenced by the fossil fuel industry.
- His work highlighted the deliberate spread of misinformation intended to undermine scientific consensus on global warming.
- Gelbspan's efforts contributed to a broader understanding of the environmental and health impacts of climate change, drawing parallels to the misinformation campaigns of tobacco companies.
Key quote:
"I was a journalist, not an environmentalist. I got into the issue because I learned the coal industry was paying scientists under the table to say nothing was happening to the climate."
— Ross Gelbspan
Why this matters:
Gelbspan's legacy is a reminder of the importance of integrity in reporting, especially as it relates to the well-being of our planet and public health. His work was emblematic of the critical role that journalism plays in confronting powerful interests that mislead the public on health-related issues like climate change.
