Paris, France – Environmental journalists are facing increasing threats and violence worldwide, with more than 70% of reporters being attacked for their work since 2009, according to a report by Unesco. The research, conducted over a span of 15 years, revealed that at least 749 environmental journalists have experienced violence and intimidation, with 44 of them being murdered between 2009 and 2023.
Unesco, in collaboration with the International Federation of Journalists, highlighted the dangerous nature of environmental journalism, attributing the risks to the remote and isolated locations where reporters often work. The subjects they cover, such as fossil fuel companies, mining firms, land grabbing, and deforestation, also contribute to the peril they face.
Physical violence remains the most common form of attack against environmental journalists, with incidents increasing significantly in recent years. The survey, which consulted 905 environmental journalists from 129 countries, found that state actors were responsible for at least half of the violence reported. Male reporters were more frequently targeted in all types of attacks except digital aggression.
The survey also indicated that attacks on environmental journalists were becoming routine, with an average of 50 attacks per year between 2009 and 2023. Despite the critical role journalists play in informing societies about the environmental crisis, many have resorted to self-censorship out of fear for their safety or the safety of their sources.
In response to the growing threats faced by environmental journalists, the report called for urgent protection for these reporters by public authorities. It also urged governments to end impunity for attacks on journalists and provide increased safety training for reporters working in this field.
Amid the global environmental crisis, advocacy groups, journalism networks, donors, and other stakeholders were encouraged to prioritize the safety of journalists and emphasize the importance of a free press. The report emphasized the need for country-specific measures, including legislative reforms and policy changes, to safeguard environmental journalists and ensure accurate information reaches the public.