Geoff Dembicki steps up as Global Managing Editor at DeSmog

In a significant development for climate journalism, Geoff Dembicki has been appointed Global Managing Editor of DeSmog. This promotion comes at a critical time as the climate crisis intensifies and misinformation about climate science grows. Dembicki, known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporting, has been associated with DeSmog since 2010, building a reputation for exposing the tactics used by the fossil fuel industry to undermine climate action. His book, 'The Petroleum Papers', released in 2022, shed light on internal memos from ExxonMobil that revealed the company’s early understanding of climate change and its subsequent efforts to mislead the public. The book's impact was recognized when it was named one of the best books of the year by The Washington Post and is currently being adapted into a television series, further amplifying Dembicki’s stature in the journalism community. As the Global Managing Editor, Dembicki is expected to enhance DeSmog’s reach and effectiveness amidst an increasingly challenging media landscape, characterized by the resurgence of political figures like Donald Trump, who are known for their climate denial rhetoric. The recent COP29 climate negotiations highlighted the difficulties facing climate advocates, demonstrating the continued influence of fossil fuel interests on political systems worldwide. Dembicki’s role will focus on strengthening DeSmog’s investigative journalism efforts, particularly in exposing the architecture of denial that popularizes misinformation about climate change, funded by a network of free-market think tanks and oligarchs. He will work alongside a dedicated team, including Editor-in-Chief Hazel Healy and Global Investigations Editor Matthew Green, to coordinate international reporting on the connections between these denial networks and their strategies to block meaningful climate action. Dembicki's commitment to producing hard-hitting journalism will be pivotal as DeSmog continues its mission of holding powerful entities accountable. Furthermore, his ongoing writing, including articles and collaborations with major outlets such as The Guardian and Le Monde, promises to engage a broader audience in essential conversations about climate change. As climate events escalate and the stakes grow higher, Dembicki’s leadership will be vital for DeSmog’s mission to combat disinformation and promote accurate reporting on environmental issues. The promotion, applauded by colleagues and supporters, reflects the growing recognition of the importance of fearless journalism to face the climate crisis effectively as misunderstandings, denial, and miscommunication remain prevalent in public discourse, making DeSmog's work more necessary than ever.