How We Evaluate Sources
Overview#
We cite a wide range of sources, from government agencies to industry groups to NGOs. This page explains how we evaluate and present different source types.
Source Categories#
Government / Intergovernmental
Examples: IEA, EIA, EPA, IPCC, World Bank
Strengths: Rigorous methodology, political independence, comprehensive data Watch for: Consensus-driven conclusions may lag research; institutional constraints
Academic / Peer-Reviewed
Examples: Nature Energy, academic papers
Strengths: Rigorous peer review, methodological transparency Watch for: Individual papers represent author views; replication matters
Industry
Examples: BP Statistical Review, company reports, API
Strengths: Primary data on industry operations; detailed market knowledge Watch for: Financial interests; may emphasize favorable interpretations
NGO / Advocacy
Examples: Oil Change International, Carbon Tracker
Strengths: Independent research; critical perspectives often missing elsewhere Watch for: Mission-driven framing; may emphasize worst-case scenarios
News / Media
Examples: Reuters, specialist energy publications
Strengths: Timeliness; breaking developments Watch for: Depends on reporter/publication quality; sourcing varies
How We Use Sources#
- Primary sources: Official data and peer-reviewed research form the foundation
- Industry sources: Valuable for market data; policy positions treated as advocacy
- Critical sources: NGO research included to present counterarguments
- News: Used for current events, not analytical conclusions
Credibility Notes#
Each source page includes "credibility notes" explaining the source's strengths, potential biases, and how we recommend using it.
Conflicts of Interest#
We disclose when sources have obvious conflicts:
- Industry groups have commercial interests
- NGOs have advocacy missions
- Think tanks have funding sources
This doesn't invalidate their research but provides context.