SEJ Webinar: The Intersections of Press Freedom and the Environment

The Intersections of Press Freedom and the Environment
Thursday, May 2, 2024   |   12:00-1:00 p.m. ET
All journalists welcome!
Register Here

You’re invited to the next SEJ webinar, co-hosted by Freedom of the Press Foundation (FPF) and SEJ. Join us for “The Intersections of Press Freedom and the Environment,” a virtual discussion and Q&A on Thursday, May 2, at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. ET. 

This panel discussion will address obstacles U.S. journalists face when reporting urgent climate change and environmental issues for their communities — whether violence or arrest when covering environmental protests or denials of access and legal obstructions when investigating centers of political and corporate power.

For a global perspective, here’s an excerpt from UNESCO’s “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis,” a discussion on why climate change, biodiversity loss and air pollution, along with related public health, democracy and disinformation concerns, have been chosen as this year’s theme for World Press Freedom Day (May 3):

“The information ecosystem has a key role to play in responding to this existential crisis. The access to reliable information and the importance of strengthening independent environmental and scientific journalism is more critical than ever. It is important to be very clear: independent journalists as well as scientists are crucial actors in helping our societies to separate facts from lies and manipulation in order to take informed decisions, including about environmental policies. Investigative journalists are also shedding light on environmental crimes, exposing corruption and powerful interests, and sometimes paying the ultimate price for doing their job.

That is why, in 2024, World Press Freedom Day will be dedicated to the importance of journalism and freedom of expression in the context of the current global environmental crisis.” (Read more - Concept Note)

Please join FPF and SEJ for this important discussion in honor of World Press Freedom Day.

Moderator:

• A. Adam Glenn, deputy editor at Freedom of the Press Foundation, and award-winning journalist. Glenn also serves as consulting editorial director for the Society of Environmental Journalists, teaches journalism at the City University of New York, and holds degrees in international environmental policy and journalism.

Speakers:

• Carlos Berríos Polanco, writer and photojournalist from Caguas, Puerto Rico, specializing in climate and conflict topics. Polanco is a recognized fellow in Climate Tracker's Caribbean Climate Justice Journalism Fellowship, with contributions cited in "Environmental Justice in North America" and by the United States Congress.
• Halle Parker, journalist and Society of Environmental Journalists board member, who covers the environment for WWNO's Coastal Desk and Sea Change podcast. She focuses on environmental justice, coastal land loss, and climate change's impact on communities.
• Caitlin Vogus, deputy director of advocacy at Freedom of the Press Foundation, where she works to defend and protect press freedoms, journalists, and whistleblowers. Current advocacy efforts include passage of the PRESS Act, legislation that will protect all journalists, including those focused on climate change.

A recording of the webinar will be emailed to registrants and posted on SEJ.org.

SEJ MEMBERS: ORGANIZE YOUR OWN WEBINAR!

Your unique experiences and insights can inspire and empower fellow members of SEJ. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce the launch of our newly redesigned webinar format, focusing on our members and your stories. Learn more.

>> Return to SEJ Webinars page.