Climate coverage, like much of journalism, has a negativity bias. We journalists work to highlight problems that need to be solved. But with a “wicked problem” like climate change, our efforts can turn into coverage of catastrophe upon catastrophe, producing the impression that everyone is doomed, despite enormous progress.
To boot, climate issues have an inaction problem. Most people in the United States are concerned about climate change. The numbers exist to instigate much more progress, but people don’t know what actions to take. Too few outlets talk about what is being done, while decrying large policy failures.
Celebrating wins, even small ones, inspires progress and offers examples for other communities to follow. At a time when national policy action on climate is sliding backward in many ways and global progress is slow, communities across the nation are making strides every day.
The New York Times began a series on March 25 that celebrates environmental progress in each state. Through the series, I have learned about wildlife crossings on highways in Colorado that reduce car collisions with wild animals by 80%, saving human and animal lives; a community health center in Hawai’i that prioritizes time in nature as part of healing patients; and community-driven wind and solar energy projects in conservative-majority areas in the Midwest.
Reading these stories was not only informative, it was a powerful antidote to the anxiety of our current news cycle. I encourage you to have a look; you might find yourself breathing a much-needed sigh of camaraderie and reassurance.
This series can serve as a call to action: Health journalists, too, can look for environmental health wins across their coverage areas. What are local health care clinics doing to reduce plastic waste or prepare for climate-related disasters? How has renewable energy gained momentum, and what health effects is it having? How are nearby localities encouraging biking, walking, and public transport? Where is air or water quality improving, and why?
These are just some of the environmental health solutions a journalist could explore. Your audience may be pleasantly surprised by what you find, or even be inspired to join in.
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