Nearly four in ten journalists reporting on environmental issues and the climate crisis have been threatened due to their work, research shows.
The research by Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN) and Deakin University also found that 11% of journalists reporting on eco issues had been subjected to physical violence.
The Covering The Planet report, reported by the Guardian, involved research from more than 740 reporters and editors from 102 countries. It revealed that 39% of those threatened ‘sometimes’ or ‘frequently’ were targeted by individuals carrying out illegal activities like logging and mining.
Of those surveyed, 30% were threatened with legal action while 39% reported having self-censored, primarily due to fear of repercussions from “those undertaking illegal activities” or the government.
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Dr Gabi Mocatta, lead researcher from Deakin University said: “The work of ‘covering the planet’ poses diverse challenges for journalists all around the world – but this work is urgent and vital.
“This study, for the first time, offers truly global insights on reporting climate change and environmental harms … Such insights are crucial in order to support and amplify the work of journalists who tell the most important stories of our times.”
Journalists have recently worked with sportswear brand Puma to produce a series of videos highlighting the brand’s sustainability practices.
