LEFT-CENTER BIAS
These media sources have a slight to moderate progressive/liberal bias. They often publish factual information that utilizes loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by using appeal to emotion or stereotypes) to favor progressive/liberal causes. These sources are generally trustworthy for information, but may require further investigation. See all Left-Center sources.
- Overall, we rate The Center for Climate Integrity (CCI) as Left-Center Biased for its focus on environmental accountability and progressive advocacy against fossil fuel companies. We also rate CCI as mostly factual rather than high. While its content is based on historical documents, its advocacy-driven, one-sided framing, and limited external citations may impact perceptions of reliability.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT-CENTER
Factual Reporting: MOSTLY FACTUAL
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Organization/Foundation
Traffic/Popularity: Minimal Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
Established in 2017, the Center for Climate Integrity (CCI) focuses on holding major oil companies accountable for their environmental impact.
CCI primarily focuses on supporting litigation aimed at making major oil and gas companies financially responsible for climate-related damages, shifting these costs from taxpayers to the companies involved. In addition to litigation, CCI engages in policy advocacy and public awareness campaigns to support its legal objectives and drive systemic environmental changes. The organization’s President is Richard Wiles, and its headquarters are in Washington, D.C.
Read our profile on the United States government and media.
Funded by / Ownership
The Center for Climate Integrity is a project of the Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development (IGSD). Founded by legal experts, it is led by President Richard Wiles. CCI holds a 501(c)(3) designation, signifying its nonprofit status. The organization’s funding primarily comes from donations, including contributions from foundations such as the MacArthur Foundation.
Analysis / Bias
The Center for Climate Integrity’s website is organized into key sections that outline its approach and focus areas. The Evidence section presents documents meant to demonstrate the fossil fuel industry’s historical awareness of climate change risks. For instance, The 1978 Exxon memo, featured under the label “They Knew,” suggests that internal discussions within Exxon acknowledged the potential environmental impact of fossil fuel emissions. Similarly, a 1996 Exxon publication in the “They Lied” section highlights statements that promote uncertainty around climate science, which the Center interprets as an effort to influence public perception. More recently, the “They Are Still Lying” section includes a 2017 email chain critiquing marketing materials, like algae ads, as potentially misleading about the industry’s commitment to climate solutions.
The Projects section details various initiatives aimed at holding oil and gas companies accountable for climate-related damages. These projects are framed as efforts to shift financial responsibility from taxpayers to corporations. Additionally, initiatives like the Calculating Climate Costs project utilize scientific data to assess the financial impact of climate change on communities, illustrating CCI’s reliance on data to substantiate its advocacy.
Lastly, the News section provides updates on the Center’s activities and climate-related legal developments. In articles such as “California Communities Win Ruling Against Big Oil,” the use of emotionally loaded language, including terms like “won an important victory,” “climate deception,” “lying about the climate harms,” and “decades-long deception campaign,” amplifies the narrative by framing oil companies negatively and portraying California communities in a determined, morally positive light. Although the article is factually based and similar rulings have been reported by outlets like E&E News, Climate Integrity’s coverage relies primarily on circular references within its own materials, which may limit broader verification.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years.
Overall, we rate The Center for Climate Integrity (CCI) as Left-Center Biased for its focus on environmental accountability and progressive advocacy against fossil fuel companies. We also rate CCI as mostly factual rather than high. While its content is based on historical documents, its advocacy-driven, one-sided framing, and limited external citations may impact perceptions of reliability. (M. Huitsing 11/04/2024)
Source: https://climateintegrity.org/
Last Updated on November 4, 2024 by Media Bias Fact Check
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