Roughly four out of every 10 journalists covering developments related to climate change and environmental issues received threats, and 11% of them even got subjected to physical balance, according to a global survey of more than 740 reporters and editors from 102 countries.
The Covering the Planet report is the first-of-its-kind scrutiny of the challenges faced by journalists covering arguably the most pressing issues of our time. The study includes in-depth interviews of 74 journalists from 31 countries.
Climate change coverage still not sufficient
The majority of respondents said climate and environmental issues have more prominence – relative to other stories – than a decade ago, but the volume of coverage of climate change is still not sufficient in comparison to the gravity of the problem.
The survey found 39% of those threatened “sometimes” or “frequently” got targeted by people engaged in illegal activities such as logging. Some 30% faced legal action – reflecting a trend of corporations and governments using the judicial system to attack free speech.
Despite the magnitude of the climate crisis, 39% of journalists surveyed as part of the research reported having self-censored – majorly due to concerns over repercussions from “those undertaking illegal activities” or the government, reported the Guardian.
1,910 land and environmental defenders killed
The survey also found a substantial need for more resources for media organisations covering the environment and the climate crisis. It comes as 76% of the respondents said insufficient resources have been limiting their coverage.
The research shines light on the diverse challenges environmental journalists across the globe have been facing. But these individuals are not the only ones under threat. Since 2012, at least 1,910 land and environmental defenders have been killed globally.
