Last week, I visited the beautiful city of Perugia in Umbria, Italy. The blue skies and charming Roman walls set a perfect backdrop for engaging conversations. I attended the annual International Journalism Festival, where media professionals from around the world gathered. Here are my top five takeaways from the event.
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The Value of Face-to-Face Connections
There’s something special about meeting people in person. Sure, video calls are convenient, but they can’t replace spontaneous chats or the energy of shared experiences. I connected with fellow journalists from the Oxford Climate Journalism Network. This program has been eye-opening. It’s not just about learning from the best; it’s about forging partnerships that can drive change. Discussing our challenges—whether in Austria, Brazil, or Canada—highlights the diversity of approaches in tackling climate issues. -
Environmental Journalism is Growing
During the festival, many young journalists wanted to dive into environmental topics. This is a big shift from when I started my career, when climate coverage was often sidelined. Nowadays, there’s a surge of interest in creative storytelling around climate. According to a recent Pew Research Center survey, 66% of newsrooms have increased their coverage of climate issues. This indicates that environmental journalism is not just surviving; it’s thriving. -
Breaking Down Silos in Science
Misinformation is rampant online, which makes clear communication essential. At the festival, I led a discussion with climate scientist Adam Levy about making science accessible and engaging on social media. His videos translate complex issues into simple, relatable content. We talked about the importance of using storytelling to bridge the gap between scientific facts and public understanding. Humor and relatability can help make serious topics like climate change more approachable and engaging. -
Urgency in Climate Action
With the next UN climate summit, Cop30, on the horizon, the pressure is on. One standout session featured Daniel Nardin, a solutions journalist based in Belem, Brazil, where the conference will be held. He emphasized the need to amplify the voices of local communities affected by climate policies. His publication, Amazonia Vox, highlights these perspectives, showing that effective climate journalism must include local narratives. - Transforming Newsroom Culture
The conversation around climate is evolving in newsrooms. At organizations like The New York Times and CBC, climate teams are embedded within their offices, pushing for integrated storytelling across all sections. Mark Hertsgard from Covering Climate Now summed it up well: "Every journalist in the 21st century will need to be a climate journalist." This shift reflects the interconnectedness of climate issues with politics, health, and culture.
Reflecting on my time in Perugia, I feel energized to apply these insights and push for more impactful climate storytelling. The challenges are immense, but the opportunities to connect, engage, and inspire action are even greater.
Check out this related article: Trump Unleashes Major Rollback of Environmental Protections—What You Need to Know
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