The climate drama series, adapted from Geoff Dembicki’s book, The Petroleum Papers, is in development at the production company behind Dalgliesh

New Pictures, part of All3Media, has officially secured the rights to investigative journalist Geoff Dembicki’s book, The Petroleum Papers: Inside the Far-Right Conspiracy to Cover Up Climate Change. David MacPherson, known for The Rig, will adapt the book as a multi-episode drama, with Imogen O’Sullivan from New Pictures serving as the executive producer.

Dembicki’s book highlights his exploration of how American oil companies ignored climate warnings as early as 1959.

Willow Grylls, co-founder, and CEO of New Pictures said: “The Petroleum Papers will explore how companies have blocked real action on climate change for profit. Our series will show the story through the eyes of those involved—oil executives and lobbyists hiding the truth, whistleblowers exposing them, and communities fighting against climate change.”

Dembicki commented: “The story of how oil companies worked behind the scenes for decades to deny their role in climate change is one of the biggest corporate cover-ups today. It is also a powerful tale of greed, denial, and the importance of telling the truth. I am excited that New Pictures is bringing it to the screen.” Climate Spring will advise New Pictures during the adaptation.

New Pictures’ recent credits include high-profile dramas such as The Long Shadow and Champion, alongside returning series Dalgliesh. The company currently has several projects in development and has partnered with George Kay, the creator of Hijack and Lupin.