Category Archives: Workshops

The Knight Center for Environmental Journalism organizes workshops to help journalists better report on the environment in the U.S. and abroad. Information about recent and upcoming conferences is posted here.

Knight Center and Metcalf Institute Foster Inclusive Science Communication with Second SciComm Identities Project Cohort

The Knight Center for Environmental Journalism and the Metcalf Institute recently welcomed the second cohort of fellows for the SciComm Identities Project (SCIP). The initiative, aimed at transforming science communication training in the United States, held a week-long workshop at the University of Rhode Island (URI) main campus in South Kingstown from January 15 to 19.

The workshop brought together 14 fellows from diverse backgrounds, marking the commencement of a shared journey in science communication. The workshop focused on cultivating inclusive communication techniques and honing skills in public engagement. Throughout the week, fellows immersed themselves in the fundamental aspects of storytelling, exploring characters and narrative structures. Additionally, practical podcast planning sessions provided hands-on experience to further enrich their communication toolbox. Continue reading

Tips to ethically cover Indigenous communities

Editor’s note: This is part of an occasional series of tips gleaned from the most recent annual conference of the Society of Environmental Journalists.

By Ashley Zhou

BOISE, Idaho — I have had years of experience reporting on various topics, but the environment is not one of them. I was initially intimidated by the  spring Society of Environmental Journalists’ 32nd annual conference.

However, through networking and attending various panels, I quickly realized that SEJ is a welcoming community. It is filled with journalists of all levels of expertise and background. Veteran reporters from CNN and National Geographic wandered with dozens of rising journalists from local newsrooms, all tirelessly working towards the same passion of environmental journalism.

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Utilities are an underappreciated source of environmental stories

Editor’s note: This is part of an occasional series of tips gleaned from the most recent annual conference of the Society of Environmental Journalists.

By Devin Anderson-Torrez

BOISE, Idaho – Utilities are an undercovered beat, yet they represent a source of great stories at the intersection of human, energy and environmental issues.

What they decide – quickly, slowly or not at all – will be a key factor in whether the battle against climate change is a winning one, said Sammy Roth, a reporter at the LA Times, who spoke at the recent annual conference of the Society of Environmental Journalists.

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The Fifth Modern Wonder of Peru  

The Knight Center for Environmental Journalism recently taught an online environmental journalism to a group of university students in Peru. This is one of the stories produced during that effort. The program was funded by the U.S. Embassy in Lima.

By Alvaro Benavente 

Six hours from Lima, three buses and four hours of walking — depending on your physical performance – is the fifth modern wonder of Peru, Marcahuasi.  

Located near the town of San Pedro de Casta in the province of Huarochirí, Lima, it is one of the highest plateaus in the world (4,100 meters above sea level), with 4 square kilometers of rock formations, spectacular abysses, lagoons, flora, fauna and a sky in which you can see the Milky Way.  

Without a doubt, it’s quite a visual show known among the hikers of Peru.  Continue reading