Behind the Byline: Voices from Environmental Journalism

Journalism is at an unpredictable crossroads today: adapting in response to many audiences getting their information from non-news sources, while simultaneously fighting to build and retain trust, especially among the least served and most underreported communities. These pressures feel even more urgent on the environmental beat as newsrooms still remain unrepresentative of our nation and provide minimal support for environmental journalists of color.

In an era when diversity is under attack, the timing of this report could not be more relevant or compelling. As a first for Green 2.0 and SEJ, the findings from the Behind the Byline: Voices from Environmental Journalism Report benchmark where our industry and newsrooms stand, and perhaps, more significantly, highlight the stories underlying the data — individual journalists grappling with bias, burnout and limited advancement. By sharing and amplifying their experiences, we aim to spark stronger accountability and progress that leads to lasting change. Simply reporting the facts of our environmental challenges is no longer enough. To serve all communities, especially those on the frontlines of climate change, our commitment to inclusive newsrooms must be as urgent as the climate emergency itself.