LEFT BIAS
These media sources are moderately to strongly biased toward liberal causes through story selection and/or political affiliation. They may utilize strong loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by using appeal to emotion or stereotypes), publish misleading reports, and omit information reporting that may damage liberal causes. Some sources in this category may be untrustworthy. See all Left Bias sources.
- Overall, we rate 350.org as left-biased due to its advocacy for progressive environmental policies. We also rate them as High for factual reporting due to proper sourcing and a clean fact-check record.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT (-6.3)
Factual Reporting: HIGH (1.2)
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Organization/Foundation
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
Founded in 2008, 350.Org is a global environmental organization active in “almost every country,” advocating against new fossil fuel projects and for renewable energy. Environmentalist Bill McKibben and his fellow university students founded the organization.
Named after the target CO2 concentration of 350 ppm, according to their About page, the organization reports efforts in opposing infrastructure projects like the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines, obstructing financial support for the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, contributing to the divestment of over $40 trillion from fossil fuels by various groups, and participating in significant events like the People’s Climate March and Global Climate Strike. Rashmi Mistry chairs the organization, which is based in Boston, MA.
Read our profile on the United States government and media.
Funded by / Ownership
350.org is a non-profit organization that operates as a 501(c)(3) entity and is funded through donations. The organization has published its financial statements, which include the IRS Form 990 and audited financial statements, for multiple years. In addition, they disclose a list of foundation donors for Fiscal Year 2021. Grants and foundations provide a significant portion of their income, accounting for around 44% of their total income in 2021. Some of the major donors include Getty, Zack, Gimbel, Open Society, Overbrook, and Sierra Club Foundations.
Analysis / Bias
350.org is engaged in climate justice and renewable energy initiatives, operating with local organizations across more than 188 countries, underscoring its significant global outreach. Additionally, 350.org leverages grassroots activism to challenge the fossil fuel industry and has been instrumental in high-profile environmental campaigns such as “Stop the Keystone XL Pipeline.” The organization’s efforts are characterized by a strong commitment to nonviolent activism and a collaborative approach, working with various partners to amplify its impact on climate change policies.
In the “Power Up for Climate Justice” report, 350.org advocates for a global renewable energy target aligned with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C goal. It emphasizes the need for a fair transition to renewable energy underpinned by international collaboration and strong policies. The report, which aligns with current scientific consensus and energy strategies, substantiates 350.org’s commitment to effective and knowledgeable climate advocacy.
The report’s credibility is supported by its use of data and projections from credible sources such as the G20, BBC, International Energy Agency (IEA), Climate Analytics, Nature.com, The Conversation, the United Nations Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). This extensive backing from established and authoritative entities in climate science and policy lends a strong factual basis to the report’s arguments and recommendations.
Moreover, 350.org critiques political actions impacting climate change, regardless of party affiliation. For instance, during Trump’s term, they criticized his environmental speech as providing “cover for his campaign,” highlighting the irony in his record. Under the Biden administration, while they praised stopping Keystone XL, they critiqued the administration for insufficient climate action, such as LNG projects and the Willow Oil Drilling Project. This stance demonstrates their commitment to climate justice, focusing on policy impacts rather than partisan alignment.
350.org’s advocacy often challenges conservative positions on climate change, particularly those that prioritize fossil fuel industries or oppose significant environmental regulations. This stance aligns 350.org more closely with progressive and left-leaning environmental agendas. However, the organization’s emphasis on scientific evidence and data-driven advocacy supports a high rating for factual reporting.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate 350.org as left-biased due to its advocacy for progressive environmental policies. We also rate them as High for factual reporting due to proper sourcing and a clean fact-check record. (M. Huitsing 03/17/2024) Updated (11/26/2024)
Source: https://350.org/
Last Updated on November 27, 2024 by Media Bias Fact Check
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