Press and Planet in Danger: Safety of Environmental Journalists - Trends, Challenges and Recommendations

"State and private actors, as well as criminal groups, have been known to intimidate, harass, or even physically harm journalists in an effort to silence their reporting."

This brief examines attacks against journalists covering environmental issues over the 15-year period of 2009-2023. It explores the kinds of attacks experienced by journalists, the people or organisations behind the attacks, and the topics the journalists were covering when they were attacked. It also offers recommendations for governments, media outlets, and media support organisations. Published by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as part of their series World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development, the brief is designed to serve as a reference for UNESCO Member States, media organisations, non-governmental organisation (NGOs), and academia.

As explained in the brief, "The global environmental crises of climate change, loss of biodiversity and pollution, impact the lives of billions worldwide and environmental journalism plays a key role in how the world understands this. Reporters and the media who cover environmental issues and its impact not only raise awareness among disengaged audiences who inattentively believe the climate crisis does not affect them, but also document and tell the stories of the marginalized communities who carry the heavy burden of a changing climate. In this sense, reporters covering environmental issues are the  chroniclers of humanity’s major challenge and play a role in holding policy-makers  accountable to this crisis."

However, journalists covering environmental issues work under perilous conditions and are subject to numerous threats. To grasp the extent, nature, and geographies of these threats, UNESCO collected data from multiple sources and analysed information on a diverse set of attacks against this population. In collaboration with the International Federation of Journalists, UNESCO also conducted a survey with 905 respondents from 129 countries. The findings from both research initiatives are shared in the brief. The following are just some examples:  

A selection of findings from the data:

• At least 749 journalists, groups of journalists, and news media outlets reporting on environmental issues were attacked in 89 countries between 2009 and 2023, in all regions of the world.
• Over 300 attacks occurred in the last five years of the 15-year period, marking a 42% increase from the preceding five years. This surge is attributed to a rise in physical attacks like assaults, arrests, and harassment and legal actions such as defamation lawsuits and criminal prosecutions.
• State actors have committed at least half of the 749 attacks. Private actors are responsible for at least a quarter.
• 44 journalists reporting on environmental issues were killed in 15 different countries between 2009 and 2023, with only five cases resulting in convictions. At least 24 journalists survived murder attempts.
• Between 2009 to 2023, at least 204 journalists and news outlets covering environmental issues faced legal attacks. State actors filed criminal charges against 93 of them. 39 journalists have been imprisoned, primarily in Asia and the Pacific. Defamation lawsuits are common, with at least 63 cases, predominantly in Europe and North America.
• There were at least 194 journalists attacked at environmental protests in the 15-year period, mainly in Europe, North America, and Latin America and the Caribbean. Police and military forces are the main perpetrators, with 89 attacks, while protesters account for 32 attacks.
• Journalists faced attacks while covering a range of topics, with environmental protests (196), mining (142), and land conflicts (115) showing the highest numbers. Other issues were logging and deforestation (83), extreme weather events (56), pollution and environmental damage (54), and the fossil fuel industry (32).

A selection of findings from the survey:

• Over 70% of respondents reported being subject to attacks, threats, or pressure while covering environmental issues. Men reporters experience all types of attacks more frequently than women, except for digital harassment, in which women respondents indicated a higher level of attacks.
• 407 respondents (45%) said they have practiced self-censorship driven by fears of potential attacks, having their sources exposed to harm, and being aware that their environmental coverage might conflict with the interests of their employers or advertisers.

Based on the findings, the report offers a list of recommendations; the following are just some of them:

For governments:

• Governments must end impunity for cases of attacks against journalists covering environmental issues. Under their international obligations, governments must thoroughly investigate and sanction all cases of violence against journalists covering environmental issues.
• Environmental protests are events of clear public interest and, in accordance with the UNESCO guidelines outlined in "The Role of Law Enforcement Agents: Ensuring Safety of Journalists during Public Demonstrations and Elections" (2023) (see Related Summaries, below), no authorisation should be required of journalists wanting to report on such events, and reporters should not require special accreditation to cover them.

For media organisations, journalism networks, donors, and multilateral organisations:

• News organisations, journalism networks, donors, multilateral organisations, and other concerned stakeholders should provide training to ensure journalists are equipped to respond to attacks and threats.
• Journalists need to access safety equipment, including trackers, satellite communicators, drones, and other devices that can significantly reduce risks and act as a lifeline in particularly volatile situations.
• Journalists reporting on environmental issues often face criminal and civil actions aimed at curbing their work or as punishment for it. They must receive legal support, which should be an obligation for news organisations and employers.

For general advocacy and awareness:

• Advocacy groups, journalism networks, donors, multilateral organisations, and other stakeholders must emphasise the need for a free press and the safety of journalists. They should campaign for country-specific measures, including legislative reforms and policy changes.
• Providing funding and resources to train and better equip journalists, particularly those underfunded at the local level, is crucial for covering environmental issues safely. UN organisations should accelerate their engagement with the private sector, particularly under the framework of the UN Global Compact, to stimulate companies to support and promote the work of journalists reporting on the environment as part of their commitment under the Compact to support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights.