Ross Gelbspan, Author Who Probed Roots Of Climate Change Denial, Dies At 84

"Mr. Gelbspan, a longtime journalist, criticized the profession for giving a forum to those who sow doubts about global warming".

"Ross Gelbspan, a journalist and author who followed the money trail of climate change denial, exposing how the energy industry and lobbyists pushed narratives to counter overwhelming evidence that use of fossil fuels was driving global warming, died Jan. 27 at his home in Boston. He was 84.

The death was announced by his family. Mr. Gelbspan had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Mr. Gelbspan’s coverage on environmental affairs for the Village Voice, Boston Globe and others touched on the emerging research linking greenhouse gas emissions to rising temperatures and consequences such as melting ice caps and the potential for more powerful storms. He began to dig into the network of climate change denial after being peppered by their backers.

A year after leaving daily journalism, he planned to pursue a project based on a 1995 essay he co-wrote in The Washington Post that drew connections between a warming planet and the greater potential for the spread of diseases. He then received a flood of responses, including many that claimed he was misled about climate change, he recalled."

Brian Murphy reports for the Washington Post February 17, 2024.

Source: Washington Post, 02/20/2024