Air Pollution Lobbying Database

Overview

The Air Pollution Lobbying Database is an investigative research resource maintained by DeSmog, a climate-focused investigative journalism outlet, through its United Kingdom edition, DeSmog UK. The database profiles organizations that have lobbied against or sought to weaken air-quality measures in the UK's most polluted cities, including Clean Air Zones and London's Ultra Low Emission Zone.

Key functions and role

The database catalogues trade associations, pressure groups and lobbying entities involved in UK air-quality policy debates, documenting their funding sources, political connections and positions on measures intended to reduce vehicle and industrial emissions. It underpins DeSmog's investigative reporting, including a 2020 investigation identifying twenty lobby groups, including several linked to well-known consumer brands, that had worked to slow the rollout of clean-air measures. The database is one of several DeSmog maintains alongside its Climate Disinformation Database, Koch Network Database, Agribusiness Database and Advertising and Public Relations Database.

History

The database is a project of DeSmog UK, launched in September 2014 as a specialist investigative outlet covering British energy and environment policy. DeSmog UK's parent organization, DeSmog, began in January 2006 as a blog founded in Vancouver, Canada, by public relations executive James Hoggan, with a mission of investigating misinformation campaigns opposing climate science and policy. In April 2021, DeSmog UK's content was merged into a single global DeSmog.com website, though DeSmog's UK operations continue to be run by the separately incorporated DeSmog UK Ltd.

Political positions

DeSmog describes itself as a nonpartisan investigative journalism organization focused on exposing disinformation that delays climate and environmental action. Some conservative-leaning commentators and industry groups it has covered have characterized its work as advocacy journalism rather than neutral reporting.

Leadership

Hazel Healy serves as Editor-in-Chief and CEO of DeSmog UK. Brendan DeMelle serves as Executive Director of DeSmog globally and sits on the board of DeSmog UK Ltd, a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee that is overseen by its own board of directors.

Location and contact info

Address
DeSmog UK
5 Brayford Square
London, E1 0SG, United Kingdom
Phone
202-505-1092 (DeSmog US office)
Website
https://www.desmog.com/air-pollution-lobbying-database/