Credit: Ben Gingell/BigStock Photos ID: 284563345

Journalist Ross Gelbspan, a voice against climate denial, passes at 84

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.

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