Climate Disinformation Database

Overview

The Climate Disinformation Database is a research resource maintained by DeSmog, an investigative journalism outlet focused on climate change, that profiles individuals and organizations DeSmog identifies as having contributed to delaying or distracting from action on climate change. It is DeSmog's flagship database and one of the longest-running resources of its kind.

Key functions and role

Each profile in the database documents a person's or organization's public statements, funding ties, professional affiliations and activities relevant to climate policy and climate science communication. DeSmog UK, the outlet's British edition, launched a companion version of the database in 2017 modeled on the original, along with an interactive network map showing connections among government officials, fossil-fuel companies, advocacy groups and funders. The database supports DeSmog's investigative reporting and is used by journalists, policymakers and researchers to check the backgrounds of commentators and organizations active in climate debates.

History

The database originated at DeSmogBlog, the U.S.-based outlet founded in January 2006 in Vancouver, Canada, by public relations executive James Hoggan, and grew alongside DeSmog's broader investigative reporting on organizations opposing climate science and policy. DeSmog UK introduced its own edition of the database in December 2017. By the mid-2020s the combined database had grown to include hundreds of profiles, and DeSmog assigned a dedicated Climate Disinformation Database Lead to the outlet's research team beginning in 2023.

Political positions

DeSmog describes its work as nonpartisan investigative journalism aimed at countering disinformation that delays climate action. Individuals and organizations profiled in the database, along with some conservative commentators, have disputed the "disinformation" characterization and argued the database functions as an ideological blacklist rather than neutral research.

Leadership

Hazel Healy serves as Editor-in-Chief and CEO of DeSmog UK, and Brendan DeMelle serves as Executive Director of DeSmog globally. Joey Grostern has served as DeSmog's Climate Disinformation Database Lead since April 2023.

Location and contact info

Address
DeSmog
1455 NW Leary Way, Suite 400
Seattle, WA 98107, USA
Phone
202-505-1092
Website
https://www.desmog.com/climate-disinformation-database/