The Rise of Solutions Journalism in Climate Coverage
A University of Maryland study revealed that news consumers exposed to solutions-oriented reporting felt more capable of influencing climate change policy and supporting actions to address it. Focusing on positive aspects and actionable solutions provides a more nuanced and impactful narrative, challenging the perception that nothing can be done about climate change.
Media outlets are increasingly adopting a solutions-oriented approach to covering climate change, focusing on investigative techniques and data-driven reporting to highlight policies and practices that effectively address the crisis. This approach, championed by organizations like the Solutions Journalism Network (SJN), aims to go beyond traditional doomsday reporting and instead showcase viable responses to climate challenges.
The United Nations has labeled the climate crisis as "the biggest threat modern humans have ever faced," prompting a need for impactful and constructive reporting. This shift involves asking and answering the question, "Who's doing it better?" to spotlight successful strategies and inspire change.
Matthew Kauffman, data project manager for SJN, outlined three ways in which data interacts with solutions journalism:
Data as empirical evidence: Demonstrated by articles like "Community Ownership Might Be the Best Way to Fight Deforestation," which utilized data to show that turning forest management over to residents could reduce deforestation rates.
Data as a tip to a possible solutions story: Illustrated by pieces like "How Bangladesh is beating the odds on climate disaster deaths," which identified vulnerable countries making progress in protecting residents from natural disasters using data from the Risk INFORM Index and the Global Climate Risk Index.
Data as a resource for community solutions: Examined in reports like "Tribes Use Western and Indigenous Science to Prepare for Climate Change," which highlighted a data tool developed at the University of Washington to help Indigenous communities anticipate and adapt to climate changes affecting agriculture and fishing.
By incorporating data-driven insights, journalists aim to bridge the gap between what audiences need for engagement and what news providers traditionally cover. The emphasis on solutions journalism intends to move beyond overwhelming narratives and empower individuals to take action.
Several media outlets have embraced this approach, such as The Washington Post's Climate Solution Section and The Guardian's special report, "Reasons to be hopeful: The climate solutions available now." NPR also hosted "Climate Solutions Week" in October, featuring stories and discussions on solutions to address climate change.
For journalists exploring solutions-oriented reporting, resources like the Climate Solutions Reporting Guide from Covering Climate Now and tools provided by organizations like the Solutions Journalism Network, Oxford Climate Journalism Network, Project Drawdown, and the Earth Journalism Network offer valuable guidance and examples. The shift toward solutions-oriented reporting is seen as a critical step in fostering engagement and driving positive change amid the global climate crisis.
