Escalating Violence Against Environmental Journalists
In the face of a global environmental crisis, the safety of journalists reporting on ecological issues has become a major concern. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the perils faced by these professionals, stating that journalists covering environmental issues are increasingly falling victim to violence. His remarks came during a World Press Freedom Day event, where he emphasized the siege on press freedom and the growing dangers within environmental journalism.
The recent UNESCO report sheds light on the alarming trend of aggression towards environmental reporters. The data reveals a disturbing rise in attacks perpetrated by both governmental and private entities. The report, which serves as a sobering reminder of the risks taken by journalists, indicates that out of 44 environmental journalists murdered across 15 countries from 2009 to 2023, a mere five cases led to convictions.
Furthermore, an overwhelming majority of surveyed journalists have experienced some form of harassment or intimidation. Over 70% of 905 journalists from 129 countries reported incidents of being attacked, threatened, or coerced, with many noting an intensification of such incidents.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric addressed the severity of the situation in Latin America during the event. He pointed out the dual challenge in the region: safeguarding environmental defenders and upholding freedom of expression. The tragic deaths of journalist Dom Phillips and indigenous expert Bruno Pereira in the Brazilian Amazon last year were underscored by UNESCO’s chief Audrey Azulay as a case in point.
The violence against environmental journalists is not confined to Latin America. Guterres and Boric also denounced the recent fatalities among journalists in Gaza amid ongoing Israeli military actions. These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the global nature of threats to environmental journalists and the urgent need for greater protection and accountability.
As nations grapple with environmental degradation, the role of journalists in uncovering illegal activities such as mining, logging, and poaching becomes ever more critical. Yet, as the UNESCO report and leaders’ statements suggest, those who seek to bring these stories to light are facing increasing peril, underscoring a dire need for concerted efforts to ensure their safety and preserve
