Internews’ Earth Journalism Network invites journalists from across its global network to apply to attend a three-day training workshop, to be held in Sweden in May 2023.
Please read the following sections carefully, as they contain important information on eligibility and the application process.
Overview
Following the emergence of one of the most disruptive global health emergencies in modern history, governments committed trillions of dollars in stimulus packages to revive the post-Covid economy. Politicians, activists and academia from across the world used this unprecedented opportunity to call for a "green recovery" —investments in environmentally positive initiatives which would invigorate economies while creating pathways toward a carbon-neutral future.
Now, years on from these announcements, is government spending and policy really working towards this optimistic goal? In 2022, the OECD Green Recovery database reported that of 1,090 billion USD in Covid-19 recovery spending studied, just 33% of investments were directed toward environmentally positive measures.
The Russia-Ukraine war and resultant energy crisis further challenged the success of a green recovery. The ongoing conflict has undermined climate action in the short term, but could potentially accelerate the energy transition to Net Zero as many countries seek to reduce their dependence on Russian oil and gas. Where movements towards a sustainable, Net Zero economy are taking place, there are concerns that the transition is just, fair and equitable, with no-one left behind.
How can journalists better report on green — or not so green — measures being rolled out in their home countries? How should they ensure that the people most at risk of being affected by decarbonization efforts have their voices heard by decision-makers?
Led by experienced journalism trainers and experts, this workshop will explore the issues of Green Recovery, Just Transition and related climate change policies and issues at the global and regional scale, providing reporters with training to build their thematic knowledge of these issues as well as strengthen their reporting and storytelling skills more generally.
In addition to training in a classroom setting, participants will also benefit from a field trip relevant to the workshop themes, providing the opportunity to report on these issues for their media outlets after they return home. EJN will bear the travel, accommodation, and meal costs of selected participants.
This media training workshop is part of EJN’s Green Recovery Project supported by Svenska Postkodstiftelsen (the Swedish Postcode Foundation).
Eligibility
The workshop is open to self-motivated journalists who can demonstrate their interest and experience in reporting on issues relevant to this workshop, particularly climate policy in their home countries. Journalists from any country in the world are eligible, though we are particularly interested in receiving applications from both Eastern and Western Europe.
We welcome applications from print, television, online and/or radio journalists, with a proven track record of producing incisive, in-depth stories.
Please note:
- Selected participants must commit to attending all three days of the workshop, with a minimum of 5 days total needed to participate including travel time. Workshop dates TBC but expected to be held in mid- to late-May 2023.
- The workshop will be conducted in English, so applicants must have a good level of understanding of technical English.
- EJN and our partners and donors have the right to edit, republish, broadcast and distribute any stories produced for your media outlet as a result of your participation in the workshop, once they have been published/broadcast in the original media outlet.
Covid 19-protocols
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, EJN and its partners will strictly adhere to safety protocols put in place by the World Health Organization, as well as all advisories and regulations mandated by the Swedish government. Participants are encouraged to carefully study the travel regulations from their countries as well as the destination country, and make sure they meet all requirements, including testing for Covid-19. At the same time, applicants are encouraged to get vaccinated for their own safety and that of the other participants.
How to apply
- Click on the Apply Now button on the top right of this page.
- Applicants must provide a letter from their editor or media outlet supporting their application to attend the workshop. Freelance journalists are welcome to apply but will need a letter of support from a media organization committing to publish or broadcast any stories produced as a result of their participation in the workshop.
- Applicants must submit two published writing samples or links to stories that have appeared online.
If you encounter difficulties with submitting your application, please email [email protected]. Do not contact any other Internews email regarding this opportunity, as we will not receive it.
Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Banner image: Kamla Devi, 38, is Rajasthan's first female solar engineer. She teaches at the Tilonia village Barefoot College (run by an NGO that provides education in rural communities) / Credit: Suzanne Lee for Panos Pictures via Climate Visuals.