Journalism for Climate Action
The EUKI project Transforming Societies: German-Eastern European Journalist Bursaries on Climate and Energy Issues by the International Journalists’ Programme (IJP) gives out bursaries to European journalists who gather experience in another European editorial office abroad. The goal of the project is to increase the coverage of climate and energy issues on a European level, thus contributing to an increase in public knowledge and awareness of the matter. Dive into the stories of the journalists here!
Climate change: Where have we made it official?
Saša Dobrijević’s three-part video series „Climate Change: What Have We Done?“ (in English) explores the pressing issue of climate change and strategies to address it. In the first part, Dobrijević addresses the alarming warnings from the scientific community about climate change, particularly the increasing frequency of natural disasters. The second video focuses on raising awareness through documentaries that highlight the loss of biodiversity and motivate action for change. The powerful narratives of these documentaries resonate with audiences and inspire engagement and action. In the final video, the series explores the strategies of scientific communities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It also highlights the challenges faced by activists working to implement climate change legislation.
Tornado, Photo: © Video „Reciklirana obećanja“
Czech Republic accelerates coal phase-out
The age of coal is also coming to an end in the Czech Republic, according to Jana Karasova in an interview with the German radio station Deutschlandfunk. Instead of the previous government’s plan to phase out coal by 2038, the current government plans to end coal use by 2033. In its NECP, the current government reaffirmed this commitment. In the interview, Jana Karasova explains the reasons for the phase-out of coal and how the government intends to replace the 40 per cent of the energy supply that is currently covered by coal. Listen to the interview here.
Belchatow Lignite Coal Mine, Photo: © Wikimedia
Back Seat for Cars in Bratislava
While more than 10 EUKI projects advance sustainable transport, journalists like Sandra Kirchner are the ones to explore the trends and political development. In her story Back seat for cars in Bratislava, the deputy chair of Klimawissen e.V. tracks the bumpy road taken by a city aiming to shift its focus from cars to bicycles in the years ahead. As she experienced herself, the different mobility patterns of men and women need to play a more central role in the city’s planning as well. Follow her on her quest to capture different views and voices on how the capital is tackling the transition. The original article was published in German on klimareporter.de.
Warsaw: The Next Bicycle-friendly City?
Journalist Robert Klages also went to experience the development of climate-friendly transportation, this time in the Polish capital. Compared to 76 kilometers of planned bicycle lanes in the Slovakian capital, Warsaw provides safe bicycle rides on over 700 kilometers around the city already. The Tagesspiegel reporter therefore legitimately raises the question: Is Warsaw the next bicycle-friendly city in Europe? Take a ride with him around the city and see for yourself. The original article was published in German on Tagesspiegel.de.
Liquid Tree to Combat Air Pollution in Belgrade
Just like water, clean air is a public good and free to all. More and more large cities face severe air pollution though, especially in winter seasons. Just like the Serbian capital Belgrade. And it’s exactly there that ZDF-journalist Benno Krieger found an innovative approach to tackling this challenge during his fellowship. With a Liquid Tree to Combat Air Pollution in Belgrade he depicts the ambitious project of scientists who bring in microalgae to help clean the air where trees can do no more. Take a deep breath and be amazed. The original article was published in the Balkan Green Energy News.
Balcony Solar Power Plants
A healthy environment is in the interest of everyone. So, taking climate action should be made easy for everyone as well. That might be why Balcony solar power plants caught the eye of journalist Tomáš Grečko during his stay in Germany. In his article, he not only dives into the feasibility and costs of powering your home from your balcony in Germany, but also draws comparisons to his home country Slovakia. The original article was published in Slovakian on Daily N.
Czech Climate Journalism Begins to Take off
To raise the public knowledge and awareness on climate issues is the goal of the EUKI-funded fellowships for European journalists. Do different European countries share this vision? During her time in Prague, journalist Elena Kolb discovered that while climate issues are still met with scepticism, the Czech Climate Journalism begins to take off. Portraying some dedicated individuals, she sheds light on the Czech perspective. Read the article and learn about the challenges of climate journalism in the Czech Republic. The original piece was published in German on klimareporter.de.
This article will be updated with new stories on a regular basis. Learn more about our EUKI climate projects on this blog page.