Amy Westervelt

amywestervelt

is a journalist who runs Critical Frequency, a network of climate podcasts, including Drilled and Hot Take.

A collage of fossil-fuel advertorials.

How the Media Greenwashes the Fossil Fuel Industry How the Media Greenwashes the Fossil Fuel Industry

Many of the world's most reputable publications use their credibility to sell advertorials that protect polluters and confuse readers.

Dec 5, 2023 / Amy Westervelt and Matthew Green

The Big Oil Firms Are Giving Up on Researching Algae Biofuels

The Big Oil Firms Are Giving Up on Researching Algae Biofuels The Big Oil Firms Are Giving Up on Researching Algae Biofuels

Algae has tremendous promise as an alternative fuel. But Exxon’s pullout from algae research is a major setback.

Mar 17, 2023 / Amy Westervelt

A swan sits in a pile of plastic trash

Exxon Doubles Down on “Advanced Recycling” Claims That Yield Few Results Exxon Doubles Down on “Advanced Recycling” Claims That Yield Few Results

The petroleum company is under investigation for misleading the public while exacerbating the global plastic pollution crisis.

May 11, 2022 / Covering Climate Now / Amy Westervelt

Standard Oil Meeting

If You Fund the Research, You Can Shape the World If You Fund the Research, You Can Shape the World

Before the Koch brothers, Standard Oil realized the power of universities to spread its free-market ideology and prevent the growth of socialism.

Dec 1, 2021 / Covering Climate Now / Amy Westervelt

COP26 Global Day for Climate Justice march, London

You Can’t Beat Climate Change Without Tackling Disinformation You Can’t Beat Climate Change Without Tackling Disinformation

Over more than a century, PR firms built and fine-tuned a machine to deceive the public.

Nov 17, 2021 / Covering Climate Now / Amy Westervelt

“Nice” Isn’t Going to Save the Planet

“Nice” Isn’t Going to Save the Planet “Nice” Isn’t Going to Save the Planet

In a rapidly heating world, we don’t have time for etiquette.

Nov 10, 2021 / Covering Climate Now / Mary Annaïse Heglar and Amy Westervelt

Methane flare

Is the Global Methane Pledge Just “Words on Paper”? Is the Global Methane Pledge Just “Words on Paper”?

More than 70 countries, including the United States, have promised to reduce methane emissions by 30 percent by 2030. Is it enough?

Nov 3, 2021 / Covering Climate Now / Amy Westervelt

A man carries a briefcase with the words 'Profits of Doom'...

There Can Be No Compromise on a Burning Planet There Can Be No Compromise on a Burning Planet

Business interests invaded the environmental policy realm even before climate change emerged as a key issue. It’s time to kick them out.

Oct 27, 2021 / Covering Climate Now / Amy Westervelt

Coloradans Take Action For An Economic Recovery And Infrastructure Package Prioritizing Climate, Care, Jobs, And Justice, Call On Congress To Pass The THRIVE Act

This 5-Point Plan Will Fix Climate Coverage This 5-Point Plan Will Fix Climate Coverage

Number 1: It’s the planet, stupid.

Oct 20, 2021 / Covering Climate Now / Amy Westervelt and Mary Annaïse Heglar

Big Oil’s Delay Tactics Are the New Climate Science Denialism

Big Oil’s Delay Tactics Are the New Climate Science Denialism Big Oil’s Delay Tactics Are the New Climate Science Denialism

Academic researchers say the fossil fuel industry engages in “discourses of delay” to divert attention away from the crisis.

Sep 9, 2021 / Covering Climate Now / Amy Westervelt

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