Covering the Environment

How Journalists Work the Green Beat

This practical primer explains the primary issues in writing about the environment, identifies who to go to and where to find sources, and offers examples of writing and reporting the beat. Observations and story excerpts from experienced journalists provide real-world context both for those in the U.S. as well as internationally. Practice story assignments, resources, and a glossary of critical terms gives budding journalists all the tools needed to cover the green beat. Updated with detailed coverage of how companies and climate change have evolved over the past decade, this second edition expands upon the digital sphere and the myriad ways that deadline, multimedia and mobile reporting have changed environmental journalism. Including consideration of issues such as the water crisis in Flint, Michigan, and the GMO controversy, this new edition provides a fresh take on the green beat with a newly organized table of contents and a guide to freelance and entrepreneurial journalism anywhere in the world.

Contents include:

• an overview and history of the environment and journalism, spotlighting the most significant issues in the beat;

• guidance on understanding environmental and health science, ranging from issues of risk, to scientific research and studies, to interviewing scientists;

• insights into government and regulatory communities and environmental advocates on all sides of the political spectrum and internationally;

• assistance in accessing public records and conducting digital and computer-assisted reporting;

• guidance in writing the story for print, broadcast and internet audiences;

• an examination of the future of journalism and news coverage of the environment in the U.S. and throughout the world.