Pulitzer Center Update November 5, 2024
Insights From the Pulitzer Center at COP16
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Fostering Intersectional Journalism That Promotes Agency and Drives Impact in Nature
The Pulitzer Center recently hosted a pivotal event during COP16, the 2024 United Nations Biodiversity Conference held in Cali, Colombia. The event gathered a diverse group of 28 individuals, including journalists, Fellows, Indigenous leaders, representatives from civil society organizations, academia, and content creators. The primary focus was to explore the question: How can we collaborate to achieve a more intersectional journalism that not only informs but also promotes agency and generates impact in decision-making on issues like biodiversity?
Throughout the event, participants shared valuable insights from their experiences, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and multi-stakeholder movements. These discussions highlighted how journalism can amplify agency and enhance its influence on critical issues, including the future of our oceans and rainforests. The intersection between climate, environment, and governance emerged as a central theme, with attendees reflecting on the vital role that informed storytelling can shape public discourse and drive meaningful impact in environmental decisions, narratives, and agendas.
A significant moment during the event was the official launch of Making Waves, a study developed by the Pulitzer Center’s Ocean Reporting Network. This report aims to underpin initiatives that contribute to more impactful ocean storytelling. Key insights from the report include understanding how experts from various related fields perceive ocean reporting, identifying key topics and gaps in coverage, and determining the most effective approaches to reporting on ocean issues.
The discussions at COP16 emphasized the need to foster connections among diverse stakeholders. Participants expressed enthusiasm for the relationships forged during the event and acknowledged the critical importance of ongoing conversations. Many attendees voiced their commitment to pursuing future collaborations that strengthen the ecosystem of intersectional journalism, ultimately driving impactful narratives that benefit the climate and environment.
This event was made possible through collaboration with Climate Tracker, which brought its extensive expertise in reporting on climate negotiations. Their contributions provided crucial reflections on emerging narratives and agendas, including the need for a just and equitable energy transition. The discussions also highlighted the importance of building media literacy and ensuring effective knowledge dissemination to the public sphere, bridging the gap between investigative journalism, science, and civil society, and reaching new and diverse audiences.
As the event concluded, the collective sentiment was clear: Fostering these connections and nurturing conversations among diverse voices is essential for advancing intersectional journalism. By working together, we can create a more informed and engaged society, empowering individuals and communities to explore solutions that represent their interests and tackle the most pressing issues related to climate and the environment.
