Introduction
Charting the Future of Climate Journalism
Our shared commitment to amplify diverse voices and advance reporting on effective solutions will determine the shape of our collective future – from Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson of the Solutions Journalism Network.
The Questions for Climate Journalism
Journalists play a critical role in whether and how we tell the most important story on Earth – from Kyle Pope of Covering Climate Now.
I. The Everything Story
Climate Belongs on Every Beat
Getting the climate story right will take bold action by journalists across the board.
II. Community Engagement
Engage With Communities To Strengthen Journalism
Reporters need to shift from chasing deadlines to meaningfully connecting with the audiences they serve.
III. Visualizing Climate
Use Visuals To Tell a More Complex Story
Visual journalism can humanize climate chaos and break down complicated information.
IV. Climate Justice
Always Center Climate Justice
How journalists can better report on and for communities
V. Myths and Disinformation
Stop Fossil Fuel Propaganda From Setting the Climate Narrative
Journalists must cut through the noise to tell the deeper truths about real climate solutions.
VI. The Movement is the Story
Consider the Messages of Movements
Activism is critical to a functioning democracy and should be given commensurate attention and weight in our coverage.
VII. Mental Health and Climate Trauma
Address the Trauma of Covering the Climate Crisis
Supporting journalists’ well-being can help them continue doing the necessary public service of climate reporting.
VIII. Beyond Fossil Fuels
What Starts With Fossil Fuels Ends With Unequal Suffering
Center people to tell the most accurate and powerful narratives.
IX. Science and Training
Expand Your Inclusion of Climate Science
Connecting with scientists — both Western and Indigenous — is critical for reporting on the global climate crisis.
X. The Power of Local Journalism
Local News is Uniquely Positioned To Personalize Climate Change
Telling powerful local climate stories requires deep listening and commitment.
XI. Reporting Impact
Don’t Underestimate the Impact of Climate Stories
When tracked and measured, the small actions of readers can add up to big shifts.
XII. Collaborations
Collaborate To Boost Climate Coverage
Pooling skills and resources can raise the capacity and sophistication around climate coverage — and lead to stories that wouldn’t otherwise be possible.
XIII. Funding
Philanthropy Has Money for Journalists If You Know How To Ask for It
Learn how to make your case for funding coverage and to whom.
XIV. Workflow and Capacity
Climate Coverage Must Be Integrated into Day-to-Day Operations
Establish your workflows and resources so you’re ready and able to act fast when climate news or disasters strike.
Editor's Note
Shaping Our Tomorrows
A vision for climate journalism as we want it to be