United StatesOwnership & classification
Founded: 2007
Ownership
Inside Climate News (originally SolveClimate News, legal entity Lost Light Projects Inc.) was founded in 2007 by publisher David Sassoon and executive editor Stacy Feldman. It is a not-for-profit incorporated in New York and a 501(c)(3) public charity, governed by its own board of directors rather than any corporate or individual owner.
Funding
It is financed primarily by general-support grants from charitable foundations and tax-deductible reader donations. Funders have included the Ford Foundation, the MacArthur Foundation, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, the Rockefeller Family Fund, the Heinz Endowments, and the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation. By policy it refuses money from governments, political parties, elected officials or candidates.
Affiliation & stance
Inside Climate News is a donor-funded nonprofit newsroom with no party, state or corporate-owner control, and it bars conflicted or political funding to protect editorial independence. Its climate focus and foundation backers give it a center-left orientation, but because no party, church, union or government controls it, it is INDEPENDENT.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Lean Progressivebased on 119
79/100
Factual
73/100
Objective
127
Articles
127
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Supreme Court wrestles with energy companies' bid to block major climate suit
The U.S. Supreme Court is considering whether to allow a lawsuit brought by Boulder, Colorado, against energy companies Exxon and Suncor Energy over climate change impacts. The case, Suncor Energy v. Commissioners of Boulder County, involves whether state lawsuits against energy firms fall under federal law. Eight justices heard arguments, with Justice Samuel Alito recusing himself due to potential conflicts of interest. Alito’s absence raises concerns about a possible 4-4 deadlock, which would let the Colorado Supreme Court’s ruling stand. The Trump administration supports Exxon and Suncor, while Boulder argues its case seeks compensation for environmental harm. The court is examining if it has jurisdiction to review the lower court’s decision.
Final ‘Grandmother’ Cottonwood Toppled, Protesters Arrested in Arizona
Armed Border Patrol agents forcibly removed protesters from a camp in Lochiel, Arizona, allowing contractors to cut down the last remaining cottonwood tree as part of construction for a new border wall. The tree had been protected by activists for over 70 days. The incident occurred on Monday morning, marking the end of a sustained protest effort against the project. The action was taken despite ongoing resistance from environmental advocates who viewed the tree as a symbol of ecological and cultural significance.
New York Is Running Out of Room for Its Trash
New York City is facing challenges in finding suitable locations to dispose of its waste, with much of the city's trash ending up in large landfills located outside the urban area. Upstate communities have expressed frustration over the environmental and social impacts of these landfills, which they claim have been imposed upon them without adequate consideration. The issue highlights growing concerns about waste management and the strain on surrounding areas due to the city's population and consumption levels.
Accidental Environmentalist? How Trump’s War Exposed the Fragility of Dirty Energy.
The article discusses how Donald Trump's policies and actions, particularly his involvement in the U.S.-Israel war on Iran, have inadvertently contributed to a decrease in global fossil fuel emissions. Governor Gavin Newsom of California suggests that Trump's actions have exposed the vulnerabilities of relying on petroleum-based energy, prompting countries to accelerate investments in clean energy like solar and wind. Despite Trump's pro-fossil fuel stance domestically, the geopolitical tensions have led to increased costs of oil and gas, resulting in reduced consumption and a projected 0.5% drop in global fossil fuel emissions for the year. However, Trump's administration has simultaneously rolled back environmental regulations and supported the fossil fuel industry.
New California Law Aims to Stop ‘Predatory’ Developers from Moving In on Wildfire-Ravaged Community
A new California law aims to prevent 'predatory' developers from taking advantage of communities affected by wildfires, such as Altadena. The law targets developers who may exploit the rebuilding process by rapidly constructing homes in areas still recovering from fires. Sylvie Andrews, a homeowner who lost much of her property in the Eaton Fire, now faces concerns about potential developer activity in her neighborhood. While up to 200 to 300 new structures have been approved in Altadena, residents like Andrews worry about the impact of rapid development on their community's recovery efforts.
A Colorado Water Trial Could Decide the Future of an Agricultural Valley
Inside Climate News reports on a legal case in Colorado's San Luis Valley where a proposal to limit groundwater pumping aims to restore a depleted aquifer. The plan threatens farmers and the local agricultural economy, which is already struggling. The article highlights the conflict between environmental concerns and agricultural needs, presenting the situation as a 'lose-lose' scenario for both parties.
‘Nature-Based’ Solutions Could Save Insurers and Policyholders Billions
A new study suggests that 'nature-based' solutions such as wetlands restoration and wildfire prevention could significantly reduce costs for insurers and lower premiums for policyholders. The research highlights how environmental conservation efforts might mitigate financial risks associated with climate-related disasters. Coastal ecologist Megan Kelso notes that decisions made by insurance companies can have a major impact on wetland health, indicating a potential synergy between ecological preservation and economic stability. The findings suggest that integrating nature-based strategies into risk management could offer mutual benefits for both insurers and communities.
SEC Move Would Make it Harder for Shareholders to Push Companies on Climate Action
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is considering eliminating a rule that enables shareholders to formally submit proposals to companies, which has been a key mechanism for shareholder advocacy groups to push for stronger climate and sustainability actions. While these proposals are not legally binding, they often exert significant influence on corporate behavior. The move would reduce the ability of shareholders to hold companies accountable on environmental issues, potentially limiting transparency and accountability in corporate practices related to climate change.
Our Future Might Be Darker—and That’s a Good Thing
The article features an interview with author Craig Childs, who discusses the concept of 'peak lighting', a term suggesting that artificial light pollution has reached a critical level, potentially altering natural ecosystems and human behavior. Childs argues that this phenomenon could lead to positive changes, such as communities taking steps to reduce light pollution and restore natural night skies. The discussion highlights concerns about the impact of excessive artificial lighting on wildlife, human health, and cultural practices. The interview was conducted by Jenni Doering for Living on Earth, a public radio program focused on environmental issues.
Big Bend border wall construction blocked by judge
A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from proceeding with border wall construction in the Big Bend National Park in Texas. The ruling comes after local communities and environmental groups raised concerns about the project's impact on the area's natural resources and recreational value. The court's decision prevents the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from engaging in any 'construction or ground disturbing activities' in the Big Bend sector for now. The administration had previously paused construction in the park in August, but this latest injunction represents a significant setback for efforts to expand the border wall. Local stakeholders had argued that the project violated their rights and caused irreversible environmental damage. The case highlights ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement priorities and environmental protection efforts.
Europe’s Extreme Summer Triggered Cascading Climate Shocks
The article discusses the extreme summer conditions in Europe, characterized by record heat, severe drought, and compounded effects that challenged infrastructure and community resilience. It highlights that over half of Europe faced dangerous heat stress, with some regions experiencing 'feels like' temperatures of 100°F or higher due to the combination of temperature, humidity, wind, and sunlight. The piece emphasizes the physical strain on individuals and the broader implications for societal systems.
21 States Sue EPA to Reinstate Climate Pollution Rules for Power Plants
More than 20 Democratic-led states and cities, including North Carolina, New York, California, and Pennsylvania, have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) challenging its decision to roll back most greenhouse gas emissions standards for coal- and natural gas-fired power plants. The plaintiffs argue that this rollback poses risks to public health and the environment. They also claim that the proposed change would prevent future administrations from reinstating the regulations. The legal action highlights the ongoing debate over climate policy and regulatory authority within the federal government.
A failed run club 'takeover' of Leimert Park shows what's at stake for Black L.A.
A controversy arose in Leimert Park, a historically Black neighborhood in Los Angeles, after a local run club called Barrio Athletics posted on social media about planning an event there, which was interpreted by some as a 'takeover.' This sparked racial tensions between Black and Latino communities, highlighting concerns about displacement, political representation, and the shrinking Black population in the area. The incident occurred during an election year, with significant implications for Black political power in the city, as Los Angeles is set to have only two Black council members for the first time since the 1960s. The situation reflects broader anxieties about gentrification and demographic shifts in South Los Angeles, where the Black population has steadily declined over recent decades.