Rebecca John
@rebeccajohn.bsky.social
Investigative climate reporter and award-winning documentary film maker. Long lost secrets and contemporary scoops. Research fellow Climate Investigations Center. Words in DeSmog and Air Mail.
Pinned
Rebecca John
@rebeccajohn.bsky.social
· Nov 15
Revealed: Big Oil Told 70 Years Ago That Fossil Fuel Emissions Could Impact ‘Civilization’
New documents show how a deceptive PR strategy pioneered in 1950s California first exposed the risk of climate change and then helped the industry deny it.
www.desmog.com
Once Upon A Time In LA ... Big Oil Told 70 Years Ago That Fossil Fuel Emissions Could Impact 'Civilization'
NEW story of early front group that went 'rogue' before being pressured back into line by California's oilmen
Latest investigation and story by me ⬇️
www.desmog.com/2024/11/12/r...
NEW story of early front group that went 'rogue' before being pressured back into line by California's oilmen
Latest investigation and story by me ⬇️
www.desmog.com/2024/11/12/r...
Reposted by Rebecca John
Reminder that in the UK an incoming radical, populist government would have immediate access to immense, unchecked executive power.
And the current government is doing nothing to protect us from that.
And the current government is doing nothing to protect us from that.
NEW
The UK constitution is even more vulnerable than the US constitution
In the face of an illiberal radical assault, what has happened politically in America could easily happen in the UK
By me, at @prospectmagazine.co.uk
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/law/th...
The UK constitution is even more vulnerable than the US constitution
In the face of an illiberal radical assault, what has happened politically in America could easily happen in the UK
By me, at @prospectmagazine.co.uk
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/law/th...
January 15, 2026 at 5:34 PM
Reminder that in the UK an incoming radical, populist government would have immediate access to immense, unchecked executive power.
And the current government is doing nothing to protect us from that.
And the current government is doing nothing to protect us from that.
Reposted by Rebecca John
For such a softly spoken guy, Ben doesn't hold back on the Trump administration:
"Insane. That’s the only word for it. Removing our ability to measure and monitor how the world around us is changing, makes no sense whatsoever."
"Insane. That’s the only word for it. Removing our ability to measure and monitor how the world around us is changing, makes no sense whatsoever."
NEW – Prof Ben Santer: Trump administration is ‘embracing ignorance’ on climate science | @rtmcswee.carbonbrief.org
Read here:
Read here:
Prof Ben Santer: Trump administration is ‘embracing ignorance’ on climate science - Carbon Brief
In an interview with Carbon Brief, Santer says the Trump administration is “engaged in a systematic attempt to dismantle climate science”
buff.ly
January 15, 2026 at 4:44 PM
For such a softly spoken guy, Ben doesn't hold back on the Trump administration:
"Insane. That’s the only word for it. Removing our ability to measure and monitor how the world around us is changing, makes no sense whatsoever."
"Insane. That’s the only word for it. Removing our ability to measure and monitor how the world around us is changing, makes no sense whatsoever."
Reposted by Rebecca John
Coal power generation falls in both China and India for first time since 1970s
- ‘Historic’ moment in biggest coal-consuming countries could bring decline in global emissions, analysis says
#climatecrisis
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
- ‘Historic’ moment in biggest coal-consuming countries could bring decline in global emissions, analysis says
#climatecrisis
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Coal power generation falls in China and India for first time since 1970s
‘Historic’ moment in biggest coal-consuming countries could bring decline in global emissions, analysis says
www.theguardian.com
January 13, 2026 at 10:12 AM
Coal power generation falls in both China and India for first time since 1970s
- ‘Historic’ moment in biggest coal-consuming countries could bring decline in global emissions, analysis says
#climatecrisis
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
- ‘Historic’ moment in biggest coal-consuming countries could bring decline in global emissions, analysis says
#climatecrisis
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
“No one wants to go in there when a random fucking tweet can change the entire foreign policy of the country.”
US oil groups warn they will need guarantees to invest in Venezuela
US oil groups warn they will need guarantees to invest in Venezuela
US oil groups warn they will need guarantees to invest in Venezuela
Donald Trump to hold more talks with industry bosses as president flexes power over energy markets
giftarticle.ft.com
January 8, 2026 at 12:27 PM
“No one wants to go in there when a random fucking tweet can change the entire foreign policy of the country.”
US oil groups warn they will need guarantees to invest in Venezuela
US oil groups warn they will need guarantees to invest in Venezuela
Reposted by Rebecca John
A warning I constantly make: as climate activists, we must denounce how frames of national sovereignty/interest are used not only to advance fossil fuel operations, but also to persecute and slander climate justice points and advocates.
The silencing of activists continues. India govt is in effect saying opposing fossil fuels going against Indian interests. www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/m...
More climate activists under ED radar after searches at Harjeet Singh’s properties
More climate activists are on the radar of the Enforcement Directorate, which searched properties linked to climate activist Harjeet Singh in a funding probe| India News
www.hindustantimes.com
January 7, 2026 at 11:28 AM
A warning I constantly make: as climate activists, we must denounce how frames of national sovereignty/interest are used not only to advance fossil fuel operations, but also to persecute and slander climate justice points and advocates.
Reposted by Rebecca John
Something I see a lot of folks missing in discussions about what's happening Venezuela, particularly around oil, is the role U.S. oil majors' interest in Guyana—and the threat Venezuela posed to it—has in all of it. Explainer here: drilled.media/news/guyana-...
The U.S.-Venezuela-Guyana Oil Triangle
The U.S. interest in Venezuela isn’t just about the oil there, but also about the oil next door in Guyana, and the U.S. oil companies that have staked their future on it.
drilled.media
January 5, 2026 at 2:21 PM
Something I see a lot of folks missing in discussions about what's happening Venezuela, particularly around oil, is the role U.S. oil majors' interest in Guyana—and the threat Venezuela posed to it—has in all of it. Explainer here: drilled.media/news/guyana-...
Reposted by Rebecca John
A good time to watch
The Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil, Money and Power
Particularly Episodes 5 and 6 - ‘Crude Diplomacy’
and ‘Power to the Producers’
@pbs.org
The Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil, Money and Power
Particularly Episodes 5 and 6 - ‘Crude Diplomacy’
and ‘Power to the Producers’
@pbs.org
The Prize- The Epic Quest for Oil, Money & Power - YouTube
m.youtube.com
January 5, 2026 at 1:23 PM
A good time to watch
The Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil, Money and Power
Particularly Episodes 5 and 6 - ‘Crude Diplomacy’
and ‘Power to the Producers’
@pbs.org
The Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil, Money and Power
Particularly Episodes 5 and 6 - ‘Crude Diplomacy’
and ‘Power to the Producers’
@pbs.org
Reposted by Rebecca John
Severe Weather Emergency Protocol activated in London ❄️
The temperature is due to drop below freezing tonight, and emergency accommodation is open across the capital for those sleeping rough.
If you are sleeping rough or know someone who is, connect to support via StreetLink
thestreetlink.org.uk
The temperature is due to drop below freezing tonight, and emergency accommodation is open across the capital for those sleeping rough.
If you are sleeping rough or know someone who is, connect to support via StreetLink
thestreetlink.org.uk
StreetLink - Connecting people sleeping rough to local services
Welcome to StreetLink. Make an alert if you've seen someone sleeping rough, or if you're sleeping rough and want to find out about local support services.
thestreetlink.org.uk
January 2, 2026 at 11:37 AM
Severe Weather Emergency Protocol activated in London ❄️
The temperature is due to drop below freezing tonight, and emergency accommodation is open across the capital for those sleeping rough.
If you are sleeping rough or know someone who is, connect to support via StreetLink
thestreetlink.org.uk
The temperature is due to drop below freezing tonight, and emergency accommodation is open across the capital for those sleeping rough.
If you are sleeping rough or know someone who is, connect to support via StreetLink
thestreetlink.org.uk
Reposted by Rebecca John
Coke admitted they had to generate 70,000 video clips for their latest Christmas slopvertising
BY MY CALCS:
- 4x the CO2 impact of a normal ad project
- 1 day of 2-5 medium hospitals
- 1 month of 250 households
- 44 years of continuous Netflix viewing
futurism.com/artificial-i...
BY MY CALCS:
- 4x the CO2 impact of a normal ad project
- 1 day of 2-5 medium hospitals
- 1 month of 250 households
- 44 years of continuous Netflix viewing
futurism.com/artificial-i...
December 17, 2025 at 8:59 AM
Coke admitted they had to generate 70,000 video clips for their latest Christmas slopvertising
BY MY CALCS:
- 4x the CO2 impact of a normal ad project
- 1 day of 2-5 medium hospitals
- 1 month of 250 households
- 44 years of continuous Netflix viewing
futurism.com/artificial-i...
BY MY CALCS:
- 4x the CO2 impact of a normal ad project
- 1 day of 2-5 medium hospitals
- 1 month of 250 households
- 44 years of continuous Netflix viewing
futurism.com/artificial-i...
Reposted by Rebecca John
🔴 REVEALED 🔴
The Institute of Economic Affairs – the anti-state, anti-climate pressure group that "incubated" Liz Truss – was bankrolled by oil giants and Rupert Murdoch’s media empire.
📝 Exclusive findings from @desmog.com 👇
The Institute of Economic Affairs – the anti-state, anti-climate pressure group that "incubated" Liz Truss – was bankrolled by oil giants and Rupert Murdoch’s media empire.
📝 Exclusive findings from @desmog.com 👇
The Institute of Economic Affairs Banked £640,000 from Oil Giants and Murdoch
The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) – the anti-state, anti-climate pressure group – received more than £640,000 from fossil fuel companies and Rupert Murdoch’s media conglomerate between 1957 and ...
www.desmog.com
December 11, 2025 at 7:05 AM
🔴 REVEALED 🔴
The Institute of Economic Affairs – the anti-state, anti-climate pressure group that "incubated" Liz Truss – was bankrolled by oil giants and Rupert Murdoch’s media empire.
📝 Exclusive findings from @desmog.com 👇
The Institute of Economic Affairs – the anti-state, anti-climate pressure group that "incubated" Liz Truss – was bankrolled by oil giants and Rupert Murdoch’s media empire.
📝 Exclusive findings from @desmog.com 👇
Reposted by Rebecca John
Utility company Southern California Gas is using ratepayer funds to incentivize Los Angeles wildfire survivors to rebuild their homes with gas appliances. And the California Public Utilities Commissions is letting it happen. insideclimatenews.org/news/0312202... via @hilarybeaumont.bsky.social
LA Wildfire Survivors Want to Rebuild All-Electric, but a Utility Is Using Customer Funds to Incentivize Gas Appliances - Inside Climate News
California’s utility regulator said it would eliminate ratepayer-funded incentives for gas appliances in new construction, but created an exception that allows rebates for them in wildfire rebuilds.
insideclimatenews.org
December 4, 2025 at 8:22 PM
Utility company Southern California Gas is using ratepayer funds to incentivize Los Angeles wildfire survivors to rebuild their homes with gas appliances. And the California Public Utilities Commissions is letting it happen. insideclimatenews.org/news/0312202... via @hilarybeaumont.bsky.social
Reposted by Rebecca John
"According to data from Media Radar, The New York Times took in more than $20 million in advertising revenue from fossil fuel companies from Oct 2020 to Oct 2023, twice what any other outlet earned from the industry" - @amywestervelt.bsky.social, Matthew Green & @joeygrostern.bsky.social
#NYT
#NYT
December 1, 2025 at 4:21 PM
"According to data from Media Radar, The New York Times took in more than $20 million in advertising revenue from fossil fuel companies from Oct 2020 to Oct 2023, twice what any other outlet earned from the industry" - @amywestervelt.bsky.social, Matthew Green & @joeygrostern.bsky.social
#NYT
#NYT
Reposted by Rebecca John
The rainforest is at a dangerous tipping point. Indigenous Peoples are protecting life in the Amazon. It’s time for the world to stand with them. Add your name to support the call at #COP30 to declare Indigenous lands free from all extraction.
#DefendTheAmazon #TakeAction & SHARE! amwt.ch/~95o
#DefendTheAmazon #TakeAction & SHARE! amwt.ch/~95o
November 6, 2025 at 9:47 PM
The rainforest is at a dangerous tipping point. Indigenous Peoples are protecting life in the Amazon. It’s time for the world to stand with them. Add your name to support the call at #COP30 to declare Indigenous lands free from all extraction.
#DefendTheAmazon #TakeAction & SHARE! amwt.ch/~95o
#DefendTheAmazon #TakeAction & SHARE! amwt.ch/~95o
Reposted by Rebecca John
Reform UK energy plans crumble under scrutiny
Reform UK rails against net zero, but the evidence shows green jobs and growth are already powering the UK economy
@yorkshirebylines.co.uk
@bylinesnetwork.co.uk
yorkshirebylines.co.uk/politics/ref...
Reform UK rails against net zero, but the evidence shows green jobs and growth are already powering the UK economy
@yorkshirebylines.co.uk
@bylinesnetwork.co.uk
yorkshirebylines.co.uk/politics/ref...
Reform UK energy plans crumble under scrutiny
Reform UK rails against net zero, but the evidence shows green jobs and growth are already powering the UK economy
yorkshirebylines.co.uk
November 14, 2025 at 7:23 AM
Reform UK energy plans crumble under scrutiny
Reform UK rails against net zero, but the evidence shows green jobs and growth are already powering the UK economy
@yorkshirebylines.co.uk
@bylinesnetwork.co.uk
yorkshirebylines.co.uk/politics/ref...
Reform UK rails against net zero, but the evidence shows green jobs and growth are already powering the UK economy
@yorkshirebylines.co.uk
@bylinesnetwork.co.uk
yorkshirebylines.co.uk/politics/ref...
Reposted by Rebecca John
This is a chilling development.
The move comes as environmental groups have struggled to find their footing and raise money under President Donald Trump, whose threats to investigate left-leaning organisations and rapid-fire dismantling of environmental rules have hamstrung green groups.
The move comes as environmental groups have struggled to find their footing and raise money under President Donald Trump, whose threats to investigate left-leaning organisations and rapid-fire dismantling of environmental rules have hamstrung green groups.
Enviro group that helped lead Keystone Pipeline opposition suspends US operations
The group will keep three U.S. positions open in hopes of reviving operations in the future.
www.politico.com
November 14, 2025 at 7:40 AM
This is a chilling development.
The move comes as environmental groups have struggled to find their footing and raise money under President Donald Trump, whose threats to investigate left-leaning organisations and rapid-fire dismantling of environmental rules have hamstrung green groups.
The move comes as environmental groups have struggled to find their footing and raise money under President Donald Trump, whose threats to investigate left-leaning organisations and rapid-fire dismantling of environmental rules have hamstrung green groups.
Reposted by Rebecca John
Brilliant new ad campaign I just spotted at the Southwark tube station in London.
November 8, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Brilliant new ad campaign I just spotted at the Southwark tube station in London.
“Too many corporations are making record profits from climate devastation, with billions spent on lobbying, deceiving the public and obstructing progress.”
Missing 1.5C climate target is a moral failure, UN chief tells Cop30 summit
UN secretary general António Guterres urges opening session in Brazil to bring about a ‘fundamental paradigm shift’
www.theguardian.com
November 6, 2025 at 6:14 PM
“Too many corporations are making record profits from climate devastation, with billions spent on lobbying, deceiving the public and obstructing progress.”
Reposted by Rebecca John
We are going to live in a world where the the marginal cost of electricity is very close to zero
Australia has so much electricity from solar power that it is going to start offering free electricity to everyone for at least three hours during the day as the wholesale price of power goes negative
electrek.co/2025/11/04/a...
electrek.co/2025/11/04/a...
Australia has so much solar that it's offering everyone free electricity
Australia's extensive solar power penetration makes so much energy that the government wants to offer free electricity at peak hours.
electrek.co
November 6, 2025 at 5:51 PM
We are going to live in a world where the the marginal cost of electricity is very close to zero
Reposted by Rebecca John
Today a story I've spent months reporting and writing runs on @desmog.com and @theguardian.com.
It's based on hundreds of exclusive documents revealing how Exxon funded the rightwing Atlas Network to spread climate denial across Latin America and the Global South.
www.desmog.com/2025/11/03/a...
It's based on hundreds of exclusive documents revealing how Exxon funded the rightwing Atlas Network to spread climate denial across Latin America and the Global South.
www.desmog.com/2025/11/03/a...
‘A Pretty Ugly History’: How Exxon Exported Climate Denial to the Global South
With Brazil about to host COP30, DeSmog has obtained copies of checks Exxon mailed to the right-wing Atlas Network in the 1990s to turn Latin America against climate treaties.
www.desmog.com
November 3, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Today a story I've spent months reporting and writing runs on @desmog.com and @theguardian.com.
It's based on hundreds of exclusive documents revealing how Exxon funded the rightwing Atlas Network to spread climate denial across Latin America and the Global South.
www.desmog.com/2025/11/03/a...
It's based on hundreds of exclusive documents revealing how Exxon funded the rightwing Atlas Network to spread climate denial across Latin America and the Global South.
www.desmog.com/2025/11/03/a...
Reposted by Rebecca John
We obtained hundreds of documents revealing how Exxon funded the rightwing Atlas Network to spread climate denial in Latin America and all across the Global South.
Read @geoffdembicki.bsky.social's exclusive story.
www.desmog.com/2025/11/03/a...
Read @geoffdembicki.bsky.social's exclusive story.
www.desmog.com/2025/11/03/a...
‘A Pretty Ugly History’: How Exxon Exported Climate Denial to the Global South
With Brazil about to host COP30, DeSmog has obtained copies of checks Exxon mailed to the right-wing Atlas Network in the 1990s to turn Latin America against climate treaties.
www.desmog.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:45 PM
We obtained hundreds of documents revealing how Exxon funded the rightwing Atlas Network to spread climate denial in Latin America and all across the Global South.
Read @geoffdembicki.bsky.social's exclusive story.
www.desmog.com/2025/11/03/a...
Read @geoffdembicki.bsky.social's exclusive story.
www.desmog.com/2025/11/03/a...
Exxon funded rightwing thinktanks in a campaign to make the global south “less inclined” to support climate treaties, according to hundreds of previously unpublished documents
New from @geoffdembicki.bsky.social
@desmog.com
New from @geoffdembicki.bsky.social
@desmog.com
Exxon funded thinktanks to spread climate denial in Latin America, documents reveal
Texas-based fossil fuel company financed Atlas Network in attempt to derail UN-led climate treaty process
www.theguardian.com
November 6, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Exxon funded rightwing thinktanks in a campaign to make the global south “less inclined” to support climate treaties, according to hundreds of previously unpublished documents
New from @geoffdembicki.bsky.social
@desmog.com
New from @geoffdembicki.bsky.social
@desmog.com
Reposted by Rebecca John
60 yrs ago today (Nov 5, 1965), the 1st US government report to warn about climate change was published.
"Restoring the Quality of Our Environment" included warning of C02 build-up and sea-level rise/melting ice-caps.
allouryesterdays.info/2025/11/04/6...
1/n
"Restoring the Quality of Our Environment" included warning of C02 build-up and sea-level rise/melting ice-caps.
allouryesterdays.info/2025/11/04/6...
1/n
November 4, 2025 at 10:12 PM
60 yrs ago today (Nov 5, 1965), the 1st US government report to warn about climate change was published.
"Restoring the Quality of Our Environment" included warning of C02 build-up and sea-level rise/melting ice-caps.
allouryesterdays.info/2025/11/04/6...
1/n
"Restoring the Quality of Our Environment" included warning of C02 build-up and sea-level rise/melting ice-caps.
allouryesterdays.info/2025/11/04/6...
1/n
Reposted by Rebecca John
Since NOAA is not updating its GHG graphics, I thought I would update CO2 this month.
Based on the available data, CO2 came in at 424.98 ppm for Oct., 2025, up 2.60 ppm from Oct., 2024.
Data: gml.noaa.gov/ccgg/trends/...
Here is the most recent Keeling curve:
Based on the available data, CO2 came in at 424.98 ppm for Oct., 2025, up 2.60 ppm from Oct., 2024.
Data: gml.noaa.gov/ccgg/trends/...
Here is the most recent Keeling curve:
November 1, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Since NOAA is not updating its GHG graphics, I thought I would update CO2 this month.
Based on the available data, CO2 came in at 424.98 ppm for Oct., 2025, up 2.60 ppm from Oct., 2024.
Data: gml.noaa.gov/ccgg/trends/...
Here is the most recent Keeling curve:
Based on the available data, CO2 came in at 424.98 ppm for Oct., 2025, up 2.60 ppm from Oct., 2024.
Data: gml.noaa.gov/ccgg/trends/...
Here is the most recent Keeling curve:
Reposted by Rebecca John
NEWS: CBS News gutted its climate team as part of the big Paramount layoffs this week. These journalists had been doing incredible reporting on extreme heat, flooding, clean energy investments and more.
I've got details for Climate-Colored Goggles: www.climatecoloredgoggles.com/p/cbs-news-g...
I've got details for Climate-Colored Goggles: www.climatecoloredgoggles.com/p/cbs-news-g...
CBS News just gutted its climate team
Paramount and Bari Weiss aren't off to a great start. Here's why David Ellison should change course.
www.climatecoloredgoggles.com
October 31, 2025 at 12:55 AM
NEWS: CBS News gutted its climate team as part of the big Paramount layoffs this week. These journalists had been doing incredible reporting on extreme heat, flooding, clean energy investments and more.
I've got details for Climate-Colored Goggles: www.climatecoloredgoggles.com/p/cbs-news-g...
I've got details for Climate-Colored Goggles: www.climatecoloredgoggles.com/p/cbs-news-g...