In 2025, the world faced severe climate disasters. Major fires engulfed parts of Los Angeles, a heatwave took the lives of over 24,000 people in Europe, and intense storms caused devastating floods in Southeast Asia. Scientists pointed to these tragedies as signs of our changing climate. Yet, a report from the Media and Climate Change Observatory (MeCCO) found that media coverage of climate issues fell by 14% that same year compared to 2024.
Max Boykoff, a professor of Environmental Studies at CU Boulder, highlighted the complexity of climate change. He noted that it intertwines science, policy, and society. Boykoff leads efforts at MeCCO to track how climate change is presented in the media.
What is MeCCO?
MeCCO monitors climate change coverage in 131 media outlets across 59 countries. It’s the only open resource of its kind, providing valuable insights for researchers, journalists, and policymakers.
Student Involvement
CU Boulder students play a crucial role in MeCCO’s work. They act as SPIKE Student Emissaries, gathering and analyzing climate news globally. This hands-on experience equips them with skills to pursue careers in sustainability and media.
Tracking Media Coverage
With the help of the University of Colorado Libraries, MeCCO produces monthly updates on media coverage. They evaluate news from seven global regions, ensuring a broad perspective on climate reporting.
Decline in Coverage
Several factors contributed to the drop in climate news coverage in 2025. Newsroom consolidations and economic pressures meant less space for climate stories. Journalists also faced challenges connecting climate change with immediate events like wildfires, partly due to the ongoing political controversies surrounding climate science.
Impact on Public Awareness
People don’t typically start their day with a scientific journal. Most rely on media for updates, influencing their understanding of climate issues. When coverage wanes, it risks obscuring the real effects of climate change on daily life.
Creative Communication Solutions
Scientists can reach wider audiences through more engaging methods. Instead of dry reports, they can use creative approaches like video, theater, and even humor. For example, exploring how fashion contributes to climate change can spark interest and action in everyday contexts.
Boykoff’s collaboration with theater students shows that education doesn’t have to be boring. Humor and relatable narratives can make complex climate issues more accessible, encouraging people to engage rather than tune out.
This blend of creativity can inspire hope and motivate action—a critical step in facing the challenges of climate change. As experts emphasize, it’s vital that we connect emotionally with these issues, bridging gaps in understanding and sparking collective action for a sustainable future.
For more insights on the relationship between media coverage and climate change, check out resources from CU Boulder’s Media and Climate Change Observatory and NOAA’s Climate Reports.
