Sources in the Conspiracy-Pseudoscience category may publish unverifiable information that is not always supported by evidence. These sources may be untrustworthy for credible/verifiable information, therefore fact checking and further investigation is recommended on a per article basis when obtaining information from these sources. See all Conspiracy-Pseudoscience sources.

• Overall, we rate Ecowatch a strong pseudoscience website based on falsely connecting vaccines to autism and promotion of anti-GMO propaganda. This also rates them Mixed for factual reporting due to legitimate environmental concerns that are genuinely supported by science.

Factual Reporting: MIXED
Country: USA
World Press Freedom Rank: USA 48/180

History

Founded in 1998, Ecowatch is an environmental news and opinion websites that claims to publish news that ensures “the health and longevity of our planet.” According to their about page “EcoWatch is a leading environmental news site engaging millions of concerned individuals every month. We are leading the charge in using online news in the U.S. to drive fundamental change to ensure the health and longevity of our planet.” The current editor is Tara Bracco.

Funded by / Ownership

Ecowatch is owned by Ecowatch Holdings LLC, which consists of majority owners Thomas O’Sullivan, Theodore Janulis, and Kerry Waterson. The website generates revenue through advertising.

Analysis / Bias

In review, Ecowatch’s primary focus in on climate change and they support the consensus of science regarding this issue. Stories often come from other sources such as the left leaning Common Dreams such as this: Harris and AOC Introduce Climate Equity Act to Protect Frontline Communities. This story is properly sourced. For the most part, Ecowatch reports with a left leaning pro-environmental bias, however when it comes to some policy subjects they do not support the consensus of science. For example, they frequently report negatively on GMO’s and publish misleading information regarding vaccinations. In general, Ecowatch mostly publishes responsible information, however they stray from science when it comes to GMO’s and Vaccines.

A factual search reveals a failed fact check.

Overall, we rate Ecowatch a strong pseudoscience website based on falsely connecting vaccines to autism and promotion of anti-GMO propaganda. This also rates them Mixed for factual reporting due to legitimate environmental concerns that are genuinely supported by science. (D. Van Zandt 7/20/2016) Updated (7/30/2019)

Source: https://www.ecowatch.com