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Topic: Early-career journalists
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Resource Database / Guide

AI Spotlight Series Toolkit

"This toolkit builds on the Pulitzer Center’s AI Spotlight Series, an initiative designed to expand the field of AI accountability reporting by equipping journalists worldwide with the skills and knowledge necessary to cover AI critically and responsibly. ‍"We have conducted more than two dozen webinars and in-person sessions since 2024 and have trained nearly 3,000 journalists across the globe in seven languages. In an effort to make the AI Spotlight Series resources even more accessible, we are open-sourcing the course modules, slide decks, and videos produced by our instructors who are some of the world’s leading tech reporters and editors. ‍"We invite journalists to access, adapt, and build on a growing body of knowledge to strengthen AI accountability reporting worldwide."
Resource Database / Guide

AI Spotlight Series Toolkit

Summary:
"This toolkit builds on the Pulitzer Center’s AI Spotlight Series, an initiative designed to expand the field of AI accountability reporting by equipping journalists worldwide with the skills and knowledge necessary to cover AI critically and responsibly. ‍"We have conducted more than two dozen webinars and in-person sessions since 2024 and have trained nearly 3,000 journalists across the globe in seven languages. In an effort to make the AI Spotlight Series resources even more accessible, we are open-sourcing the course modules, slide decks, and videos produced by our instructors who are some of the world’s leading tech reporters and editors. ‍"We invite journalists to access, adapt, and build on a growing body of knowledge to strengthen AI accountability reporting worldwide."
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Fellowships & Grants

C&EN’s Editorial Fellowship Program

Chemical & Engineering News

"C&EN covers what's new in the world of chemistry, including stories about drug development, new materials for electronics, solutions to mitigate climate change, and much more. Each year we invite a paid editorial fellow to work alongside C&EN's seasoned reporters, developing bylined news and feature stories for C&EN’s website, weekly print magazine, and podcast. Past fellows have contributed magazine features, breaking news, podcast episodes, and videos. C&EN's Editorial Fellowship Program provides a launch pad for the next generation of science journalists." The six-month fellowship begins in June. Deadline: Feb. 28, 2025. Applications re-open in early 2026.
Fellowships & Grants

C&EN’s Editorial Fellowship Program

Summary:
"C&EN covers what's new in the world of chemistry, including stories about drug development, new materials for electronics, solutions to mitigate climate change, and much more. Each year we invite a paid editorial fellow to work alongside C&EN's seasoned reporters, developing bylined news and feature stories for C&EN’s website, weekly print magazine, and podcast. Past fellows have contributed magazine features, breaking news, podcast episodes, and videos. C&EN's Editorial Fellowship Program provides a launch pad for the next generation of science journalists." The six-month fellowship begins in June. Deadline: Feb. 28, 2025. Applications re-open in early 2026.
Organization:

Chemical & Engineering News

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Fellowships & Grants

Grist Fellowship Program

"The Grist Fellowship Program is a paid opportunity to hone your skills at a national news outlet and deepen your understanding of environmental issues. The experience is designed to give early-career journalists with a demonstrated interest in environmental issues the experience to succeed in climate and environmental media." The 2025 fellowship pays $58,750, and includes health benefits and a company laptop for the duration of the fellowship. Fellows can be based anywhere in the U.S. Deadline: Jan 21, 2025 for May 5, 2025 to Apr 30, 2026
Fellowships & Grants

Grist Fellowship Program

Summary:
"The Grist Fellowship Program is a paid opportunity to hone your skills at a national news outlet and deepen your understanding of environmental issues. The experience is designed to give early-career journalists with a demonstrated interest in environmental issues the experience to succeed in climate and environmental media." The 2025 fellowship pays $58,750, and includes health benefits and a company laptop for the duration of the fellowship. Fellows can be based anywhere in the U.S. Deadline: Jan 21, 2025 for May 5, 2025 to Apr 30, 2026
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Conference

European Conference of Science Journalism

European Federation for Science Journalism

Nov. 12, 2025: "We are thrilled to announce that EFSJ [European Federation for Science Journalism] will organise a European Science Journalism Conference in Hannover, Germany, in 2026! The event will take place on 14 and 15 October, alongside the annual WPK Wissenswerte conference on 15 and 16 October. The main topic of the conference will be 'Science journalism for a world in crisis'." The last conference, normally biennial, took place in 2022.
Conference

European Conference of Science Journalism

Summary:
Nov. 12, 2025: "We are thrilled to announce that EFSJ [European Federation for Science Journalism] will organise a European Science Journalism Conference in Hannover, Germany, in 2026! The event will take place on 14 and 15 October, alongside the annual WPK Wissenswerte conference on 15 and 16 October. The main topic of the conference will be 'Science journalism for a world in crisis'." The last conference, normally biennial, took place in 2022.
Organization:

European Federation for Science Journalism

Dates:

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Awards

New Media Writing Prize

The Media School at Bournemouth University in the UK awards cash prizes in multiple categories for "good storytelling (fiction or non-fiction) written specifically for delivery and reading/viewing on a PC or Mac, the web, or a hand-held device such as an iPad or mobile phone. It could be a short story, novel, poem, narrative game, documentary, or transmedia work using words, images, film or animation with audience interaction. Interactivity is a key element of new-media storytelling." Open to all ages, anywhere in the world. Deadline: Feb. 1, 2026.
Awards

New Media Writing Prize

Summary:
The Media School at Bournemouth University in the UK awards cash prizes in multiple categories for "good storytelling (fiction or non-fiction) written specifically for delivery and reading/viewing on a PC or Mac, the web, or a hand-held device such as an iPad or mobile phone. It could be a short story, novel, poem, narrative game, documentary, or transmedia work using words, images, film or animation with audience interaction. Interactivity is a key element of new-media storytelling." Open to all ages, anywhere in the world. Deadline: Feb. 1, 2026.
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Fellowships & Grants

Arab Documentary Photography Program

"Recognizing the image's power to document, educate, and advocate, the Arab Documentary Photography Program’s incentive has always been to foster creative photography practices in the Arab world and to encourage the transmission of critical, socially engaged, and local stories. ... Open to applicants from, living and working in the Arab region, irrespective of ethnicity, gender, or religion." The ADPP for Emerging Photographers comprises a $7,000 grant for a new or existing project plus mentorship. Deadline: Dec. 10, 2025.
Fellowships & Grants

Arab Documentary Photography Program

Summary:
"Recognizing the image's power to document, educate, and advocate, the Arab Documentary Photography Program’s incentive has always been to foster creative photography practices in the Arab world and to encourage the transmission of critical, socially engaged, and local stories. ... Open to applicants from, living and working in the Arab region, irrespective of ethnicity, gender, or religion." The ADPP for Emerging Photographers comprises a $7,000 grant for a new or existing project plus mentorship. Deadline: Dec. 10, 2025.
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Article

Writing Science Explainers for Local Audiences

"Every local decision—from where to swim after heavy rainfall to whether masks should be required in schools—hinges on scientific questions most people struggle to answer. Science explainers give community members the clarity they need to make informed choices about issues that directly affect their lives. ... You don’t need a science background to create effective explainers. The process itself strengthens your science-writing by breaking down intimidating topics into digestible pieces."  
Article

Writing Science Explainers for Local Audiences

Summary:
"Every local decision—from where to swim after heavy rainfall to whether masks should be required in schools—hinges on scientific questions most people struggle to answer. Science explainers give community members the clarity they need to make informed choices about issues that directly affect their lives. ... You don’t need a science background to create effective explainers. The process itself strengthens your science-writing by breaking down intimidating topics into digestible pieces."  
Author:

Roxanne Scott

Published By:

The Open Notebook

Date:

February 13, 2024

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Video

CCNow Academy: Tropical Cyclones

Covering Climate Now and Climate Central

"In light of hurricane Melissa, Covering Climate Now has made its exclusive CCNow Academy training session public so that journalists may better explain climate change's influence on the historic storm. In this session, experts from Covering Climate Now and Climate Central highlight how warm oceans fuel stronger, more destructive tropical cyclones in every ocean across the world."
Video

CCNow Academy: Tropical Cyclones

Summary:
"In light of hurricane Melissa, Covering Climate Now has made its exclusive CCNow Academy training session public so that journalists may better explain climate change's influence on the historic storm. In this session, experts from Covering Climate Now and Climate Central highlight how warm oceans fuel stronger, more destructive tropical cyclones in every ocean across the world."
Organization:

Covering Climate Now and Climate Central

Date:

October 28, 2025

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Article

Interrogating Data: A Science Writer’s Guide to Data Journalism

"In its simplest definition, data journalism is the practice of using numbers and trends to tell a story. It requires a variety of skills: research to find the correct dataset, analysis to determine what kind of story this dataset may tell, and presentation to share that story with readers. And these skills are within reach for many science writers, even without any programming background: Simply ask questions, and you will find the central tenet of a story."
Article

Interrogating Data: A Science Writer’s Guide to Data Journalism

Summary:
"In its simplest definition, data journalism is the practice of using numbers and trends to tell a story. It requires a variety of skills: research to find the correct dataset, analysis to determine what kind of story this dataset may tell, and presentation to share that story with readers. And these skills are within reach for many science writers, even without any programming background: Simply ask questions, and you will find the central tenet of a story."
Author:

Betsy Ladyzhets

Published By:

The Open Notebook

Date:

July 28, 2020

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Awards

Waterman Fund Essay Contest for Emerging Writers

"Since 2008, Appalachia, the mountaineering and conservation journal published by the Appalachian Mountain Club, and the Waterman Fund have joined to sponsor an annual essay contest for emerging writers. Writers who have not published a major work of fiction or narrative nonfiction on topics of wilderness, wildness, or the ethics and ecology of environmental issues are eligible. The Waterman Fund provides generous prize money of $3,000 for the first-place essay selection and $1,000 for a runner-up. For 2026, we invite essays that address any or all topics related to: our relationship to the natural living world, land and place, preservation/conservation, alpine ecosystems, wild(er)ness and the deep woods. We welcome personal, scientific, adventure, or memoir essays." Deadline: March 15, 2026.
Awards

Waterman Fund Essay Contest for Emerging Writers

Summary:
"Since 2008, Appalachia, the mountaineering and conservation journal published by the Appalachian Mountain Club, and the Waterman Fund have joined to sponsor an annual essay contest for emerging writers. Writers who have not published a major work of fiction or narrative nonfiction on topics of wilderness, wildness, or the ethics and ecology of environmental issues are eligible. The Waterman Fund provides generous prize money of $3,000 for the first-place essay selection and $1,000 for a runner-up. For 2026, we invite essays that address any or all topics related to: our relationship to the natural living world, land and place, preservation/conservation, alpine ecosystems, wild(er)ness and the deep woods. We welcome personal, scientific, adventure, or memoir essays." Deadline: March 15, 2026.
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Article

How To Read a Scientific Paper

"Here’s how to decode any research paper. These tips and tricks will work whether you’re covering developmental biology or deep-space exploration. The key is to familiarize yourself with the framework in which scientists describe their discoveries, and to not let yourself get bogged down in detail as you’re trying to understand the overarching point of it all."
Article

How To Read a Scientific Paper

Summary:
"Here’s how to decode any research paper. These tips and tricks will work whether you’re covering developmental biology or deep-space exploration. The key is to familiarize yourself with the framework in which scientists describe their discoveries, and to not let yourself get bogged down in detail as you’re trying to understand the overarching point of it all."
Author:

Alexandra Witze

Published By:

The Open Notebook

Date:

November 6, 2018

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Article

Trading the Pipette for the Pen: Transitioning From Science to Science Writing

"Making the transition to science writing can seem intimidating; it certainly requires determination and effort. But taking a few critical steps, like networking and honing your writing skills, can help make a scientist’s next experiment on the page a successful one."
Article

Trading the Pipette for the Pen: Transitioning From Science to Science Writing

Summary:
"Making the transition to science writing can seem intimidating; it certainly requires determination and effort. But taking a few critical steps, like networking and honing your writing skills, can help make a scientist’s next experiment on the page a successful one."
Author:

Julia Rosen

Published By:

The Open Notebook

Date:

June 16, 2015

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Video

How Journalists Can Use Scraping Tools for Environmental Stories

Pulitzer Center

"This webinar was led by Pulitzer Center Researcher Fernanda Buffa, Data Editor Kuang Keng Kuek Ser and Martynas Juravičius, R&D Tech Lead at Oxylabs." Topics covered:
  • Tools and platforms to get started, with no coding experience required
  • Real-world case studies: deforestation data, pollution records, permit databases
  • How to collect large datasets from public websites
  • The basics of web scraping and ethical/legal considerations
Related resources:
Video

How Journalists Can Use Scraping Tools for Environmental Stories

Summary:
"This webinar was led by Pulitzer Center Researcher Fernanda Buffa, Data Editor Kuang Keng Kuek Ser and Martynas Juravičius, R&D Tech Lead at Oxylabs." Topics covered:
  • Tools and platforms to get started, with no coding experience required
  • Real-world case studies: deforestation data, pollution records, permit databases
  • How to collect large datasets from public websites
  • The basics of web scraping and ethical/legal considerations
Related resources:
Organization:

Pulitzer Center

Date:

October 15, 2025

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Awards

Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the (London, UK) Natural History Museum's annual competition and exhibition "highlighting the unique and beautiful relationship between photography, science and art. What began in 1965 as a magazine competition with just 361 entries has blossomed into one of the world's most prestigious photography awards, with over 45,000 entries each year and a touring exhibition seen by millions around the globe." If you will be 17 years old or under on the contest deadline date of Dec. 4, 2025, enter the Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. Win cash prizes, a place in the museum's exhibit and more.
Awards

Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Summary:
Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the (London, UK) Natural History Museum's annual competition and exhibition "highlighting the unique and beautiful relationship between photography, science and art. What began in 1965 as a magazine competition with just 361 entries has blossomed into one of the world's most prestigious photography awards, with over 45,000 entries each year and a touring exhibition seen by millions around the globe." If you will be 17 years old or under on the contest deadline date of Dec. 4, 2025, enter the Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. Win cash prizes, a place in the museum's exhibit and more.
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Video

Why the Best Science Needs Great Storytelling — Fay Lin

"Fay Lin is a science journalist and Senior Editor at Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (GEN), where she covers breakthroughs across biotech with a particular focus on AI and protein design. Expect to learn what distinguishes sexy science stories from boring ones, why mental health for graduate students is in a state of crisis, and how to step away from the familiar path."
Video

Why the Best Science Needs Great Storytelling — Fay Lin

Summary:
"Fay Lin is a science journalist and Senior Editor at Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (GEN), where she covers breakthroughs across biotech with a particular focus on AI and protein design. Expect to learn what distinguishes sexy science stories from boring ones, why mental health for graduate students is in a state of crisis, and how to step away from the familiar path."
Date:

September 20, 2025

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Organization

Bangladesh Science Journalists Association (BSJA)

"BSJA is an organization of science journalists based in Bangladesh, covering scientific issues." Advocating for ethical and accurate science reporting throughout Bangladesh, the organization facilitates community building, training and international collaboration in science journalism.
Organization

Bangladesh Science Journalists Association (BSJA)

Summary:
"BSJA is an organization of science journalists based in Bangladesh, covering scientific issues." Advocating for ethical and accurate science reporting throughout Bangladesh, the organization facilitates community building, training and international collaboration in science journalism.
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Podcast

Climate Science, Journalism and Working Backwards To Get to Your Career With Kendra Pierre-Louis

For Environmental Professionals Radio (EPR), Nic Frederick and Laura Thorne interview Kendra Pierre Louis, climate reporter and author of Greenwashed, Why We Can't Buy Our Way to a Green Planet, about the steps that led her to journalism (at 8:01).
Podcast

Climate Science, Journalism and Working Backwards To Get to Your Career With Kendra Pierre-Louis

Summary:
For Environmental Professionals Radio (EPR), Nic Frederick and Laura Thorne interview Kendra Pierre Louis, climate reporter and author of Greenwashed, Why We Can't Buy Our Way to a Green Planet, about the steps that led her to journalism (at 8:01).
Published By:

National Association of Environmental Professionals

Date:

August 15, 2025

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Podcast

How To Break Into Science Journalism

Essaypro Educational Podcasts

"In this inspiring conversation, we sit down with Sofia Quaglia — an award-winning freelance science journalist whose work has appeared in top publications worldwide. Drawing from her experience navigating the competitive world of science writing, Sofia shares insider tips on how to break into science journalism, build your portfolio, pitch compelling stories, and thrive as a freelancer. Whether you’re a student, a budding reporter, or a professional looking to transition into science communication, this episode is packed with actionable advice, personal stories, and behind-the-scenes insights into what it takes to make it in this fascinating field."
Podcast

How To Break Into Science Journalism

Summary:
"In this inspiring conversation, we sit down with Sofia Quaglia — an award-winning freelance science journalist whose work has appeared in top publications worldwide. Drawing from her experience navigating the competitive world of science writing, Sofia shares insider tips on how to break into science journalism, build your portfolio, pitch compelling stories, and thrive as a freelancer. Whether you’re a student, a budding reporter, or a professional looking to transition into science communication, this episode is packed with actionable advice, personal stories, and behind-the-scenes insights into what it takes to make it in this fascinating field."
Organization:

Essaypro Educational Podcasts

Date:

August 14, 2025

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Training program

Sample Course Syllabus: Introduction to Science Writing

The Open Notebook

"Science journalists often learn the tricks of the trade by trial and error. But we firmly believe the basics of covering science, and covering it well, can also be taught. Whether you’re officially enrolled or a student at heart, this free resource rounds up years of insights from The Open Notebook into an easy-to-reference sample course syllabus. The syllabus tackles 12 topics that, all together, provide a foundational introduction to science writing. Each module includes recommended readings, discussion questions, assignments, and more."
Training program

Sample Course Syllabus: Introduction to Science Writing

Summary:
"Science journalists often learn the tricks of the trade by trial and error. But we firmly believe the basics of covering science, and covering it well, can also be taught. Whether you’re officially enrolled or a student at heart, this free resource rounds up years of insights from The Open Notebook into an easy-to-reference sample course syllabus. The syllabus tackles 12 topics that, all together, provide a foundational introduction to science writing. Each module includes recommended readings, discussion questions, assignments, and more."
Organization:

The Open Notebook

Date:

August 19, 2025

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Article

What Makes Heat So Hard To Cover?

"For journalists, the most urgent climate disaster is also the trickiest to report on." This CJR article offers tips on how to report on heat events by visualizing "a chronic, invisible crisis," along with ideas for images, adding context and more.
Article

What Makes Heat So Hard To Cover?

Summary:
"For journalists, the most urgent climate disaster is also the trickiest to report on." This CJR article offers tips on how to report on heat events by visualizing "a chronic, invisible crisis," along with ideas for images, adding context and more.
Author:

Meg Bernhard

Published By:

Columbia Journalism Review

Date:

July 15, 2025

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Article

When Scientist Sources Are Reluctant To Speak With Reporters

"As many U.S. scientists face research funding cuts and tightening press policies from their institutions, stakes can be high for those considering going on the record. SciLine has compiled some steps to take when a scientist declines an interview, including other avenues for finding an expert source and alternative ways to source evidence."
Article

When Scientist Sources Are Reluctant To Speak With Reporters

Summary:
"As many U.S. scientists face research funding cuts and tightening press policies from their institutions, stakes can be high for those considering going on the record. SciLine has compiled some steps to take when a scientist declines an interview, including other avenues for finding an expert source and alternative ways to source evidence."
Published By:

SciLine

Date:

August 12, 2025

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Article

Finding the Most Valuable Stories in the Heart of Science Papers

"Research papers are at the forefront of the scientific process, and science writers are vital in bridging the gap between researchers and a wider audience. On 26th June, at the ABSW Science and Technology Journalism Summer School 2025, ABSW Chair Andy Extance held a workshop inviting Emma Stoye (Senior News Editor, Nature), Sarah Wild (Freelance Science Journalist), Dalmeet Singh Chawla (Freelance Science Journalist) to discuss how science journalists can navigate the science publishing landscape to find the most valuable stories within academic papers, using meaningful examples."
Article

Finding the Most Valuable Stories in the Heart of Science Papers

Summary:
"Research papers are at the forefront of the scientific process, and science writers are vital in bridging the gap between researchers and a wider audience. On 26th June, at the ABSW Science and Technology Journalism Summer School 2025, ABSW Chair Andy Extance held a workshop inviting Emma Stoye (Senior News Editor, Nature), Sarah Wild (Freelance Science Journalist), Dalmeet Singh Chawla (Freelance Science Journalist) to discuss how science journalists can navigate the science publishing landscape to find the most valuable stories within academic papers, using meaningful examples."
Author:

Sandra Ogboru

Published By:

Association of British Science Writers

Date:

July 22, 2025

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Video

Videos on Science Writing

Council for the Advancement of Science Writing

  • Some advice is timeless. Check out David Perlman’s advice for science writers in this video interview from 2009.
  • CASW’s YouTube channel includes presentations from the 2017 World Conference of Science Journalists, ScienceWriters conferences, Patrusky Lectures,  online webinars and much more.
Video

Videos on Science Writing

Summary:
  • Some advice is timeless. Check out David Perlman’s advice for science writers in this video interview from 2009.
  • CASW’s YouTube channel includes presentations from the 2017 World Conference of Science Journalists, ScienceWriters conferences, Patrusky Lectures,  online webinars and much more.
Organization:

Council for the Advancement of Science Writing

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Training program

Covering Climate Now Training Initiative: The Climate Newsroom

"Covering Climate Now is expanding its newsroom training initiatives to enhance climate coverage through local media across the US. The project, called The Climate Newsroom, builds on the success of The Climate Station local TV training program and our work with more than 500 media partners worldwide to offer free, customized training designed to help your outlet cover climate stories more effectively. The training program is available in English and Spanish, spans four sessions over eight weeks, followed by six months of ongoing support and feedback."
Training program

Covering Climate Now Training Initiative: The Climate Newsroom

Summary:
"Covering Climate Now is expanding its newsroom training initiatives to enhance climate coverage through local media across the US. The project, called The Climate Newsroom, builds on the success of The Climate Station local TV training program and our work with more than 500 media partners worldwide to offer free, customized training designed to help your outlet cover climate stories more effectively. The training program is available in English and Spanish, spans four sessions over eight weeks, followed by six months of ongoing support and feedback."
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For:
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Article

Eight Tips From Environmental Reporters in Covering Climate Crisis

"Eight environmental reporters across the U.S. described how they cover the climate crisis in these days where the media space is overloaded with unverified information and social distrust is growing. Some of these journalists have been working on the beat for just a few years, others for 25 years. The reporters gave advice for those who have just entered or may be thinking of entering into this growing field of climate journalism."
Article

Eight Tips From Environmental Reporters in Covering Climate Crisis

Summary:
"Eight environmental reporters across the U.S. described how they cover the climate crisis in these days where the media space is overloaded with unverified information and social distrust is growing. Some of these journalists have been working on the beat for just a few years, others for 25 years. The reporters gave advice for those who have just entered or may be thinking of entering into this growing field of climate journalism."
Author:

Nikita Ponomarenko

Published By:

Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute

Date:

July 7, 2025

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