Avoiding news avoidance on climate change

Climate change may be a hot topic at the moment, but it’s also one that leaves audiences prone to burnout and news avoidance. How could it not be when headlines such as “We’ve failed our planet. This is an SOS” or “Thanks to Climate Change, Parts of the Arctic are on Fire” report apocalyptic scenarios that seem insurmountable? The 2020 Reuters Digital News Report found that news negativity was the top reason audiences avoided the news. This crisis focus is an especially prevalent trend when it comes to environmental reporting. So how can journalists change the equation? Instead of telling stories about the impact of a changing climate that strikes fear and paralysis in audiences, highlight ways that people around the world are already responding to these problems in ways that might move the needle. Join us to discuss tips and tactics on how to report climate and environmental stories that are solutions-focused and engaging to audiences.

Organised in association with Solutions Journalism Network.