What's Happening?
Journalism has proven to be a powerful tool in catalyzing environmental protection and policy change. A notable example is the case in Gabon, where a logging concession threatened a community's ancestral
forest. The situation changed when journalism brought the issue to public attention, leading to the revocation of the company's permit and legal protection for the forest. Similarly, investigative reporting in Peru exposed the deforestation activities of United Cacao, resulting in the revocation of permits and prevention of further ecological damage. These instances highlight journalism's ability to convert private harm into shared knowledge, creating accountability and enabling policy interventions.
Why It's Important?
The significance of journalism in environmental and civic action lies in its ability to provide transparency and accountability. By exposing environmental damage and corporate malpractices, journalism supports other interventions like conservation projects and policy reforms. It acts as information infrastructure, translating technical science into accessible insights and revealing governance failures. This transparency is crucial for effective environmental protection and policy change, as it ensures that interventions are based on verified information and public understanding. Philanthropic support for journalism is strategic, as it amplifies the impact of other investments in planetary health.
What's Next?
The future of journalism funding involves long-term, flexible investments that empower news outlets to conduct investigative reporting and collaborate with scientists and technologists. This approach ensures that information circulates effectively, supporting civic and environmental actions. Evaluations by foundations have shown that journalism funding leads to policy debates and regulatory reviews, demonstrating its civic impact. As civic space shrinks globally, supporting journalism becomes essential for maintaining open societies and ensuring responsible governance.
Beyond the Headlines
The broader implications of supporting journalism include strengthening community oversight and promoting responsible investment practices. By funding journalism, philanthropists invest in truth and society's ability to act on verified information. This support is not only a safeguard for environmental and civic initiatives but also a prerequisite for their success. Journalism's role as infrastructure for survival underscores its importance in addressing ecological and informational challenges.
