20 In-Person and 7 Virtual CCMP Fellows Report on Climate Finance, the Possibilities of Clean Energy and More at COP29
This year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference (Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC), more commonly known as COP29, was held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 11 to 22 November. The COP was met with skepticism at the outset, as it was hosted by yet another petrostate, and drew more criticism in its final days due to negotiations extending 35 hours into overtime, the avoidance of references to fossil-fuel phaseouts, walkouts by country representatives, and divisive reactions over a $300 billion per year climate pledge to finance climate action in developing countries, which fell far short of the $1.3 trillion per year needed by 2035.
The summit did see the adoption of many new measures to combat climate disasters, including a “Refugees for Climate Action” network and international carbon market standards.
Although flawed, global processes such as the COP are critical junctures where pathways to progress can be negotiated and transformative action implemented by the 198 countries that are parties to the UNFCCC. It is equally critical that the public in vulnerable countries are well informed about their outcomes. Through trusted journalism produced in local media outlets, frontline communities can learn more about the key negotiations and the implications of decisions adopted at the COP.
As part of the Climate Change Media Partnership (CCMP) program, Internews’ Earth Journalism Network and the Stanley Center for Peace and Security selected a cohort of journalists from low- and middle-income countries to travel to Baku, Azerbaijan, to cover the climate summit. This year, 20 journalists and six EJN trainers attended COP29, while seven fellows from different countries reported on key events and discussions remotely from their home countries in the Europe, Eurasia and South Asia regions.
Meet the in-person fellows: 20 Journalists Awarded Fellowships to Report on COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan | Earth Journalism Network
Meet the virtual fellows: EJN Selects 13 Virtual Fellows to Cover COP29 and COP16 Remotely | Earth Journalism Network
EJN’s Charlie Debenham, who manages the CCMP program, said “To reflect the presidency of this year’s COP falling to the Eastern Europe group, we were pleased to support five journalists from Eastern Europe and Eurasia to attend COP29, which brought fresh perspectives to the fellowship as well as critical reporting on the COP and climate issues to media outlets in the region. We were also delighted to be able to award seven virtual fellowships for journalists to report on the COP remotely, which is still relatively new programming for the CCMP.”
Side events and high-level interviews
On November 19, EJN hosted a side event, “‘Shining a Light on the Path to Net Zero”’ at the SDG7 Global South Pavilion in the Blue Zone. The session, focused on energy reporting, was moderated by Joydeep Gupta, EJN’s India manager, with an introduction by EJN’s Executive Director James Fahn. On the panel were Fermín Koop, one of the CCMP media trainers, and CCMP Fellows Chiamaka Obiageli Enendu from Nigeria, Istvan Deak from Romania and Liu Yi from China. Fellows shared their regional and country-specific perspectives on the complex topic of the energy transition, best practices to report on this issue, and tips on how to fight a rising tide of mis/disinformation.
The audience Q&A also featured a range of thought-provoking questions from the potential of hydropower to how to increase engagement with small-town reporters.
On the topic of the energy transition, Koop reflected, “With the agreement at COP28 to transition away from fossil fuels, there was a big expectation at COP29 on how to take this forward. However, countries couldn't agree on this at COP29, amid different takes on the future of fossil fuels. For reporters, covering the energy transition is crucial considering the high level of emissions of the energy sector and the need to transition away from fossil fuels. That's why supporting them in their reporting is so important."
El año que cumplo 10 años viajando a las COP de cambio climático tuve la oportunidad de ser uno de los panelistas en un evento de @earthjournalism y @StanleyConnect sobre la transición energética en el Sur Global. Gracias por la invitación! pic.twitter.com/ZjcLY5a6oR
— Fermín Koop (@ferminkoop) November 19, 2024
Watch the recording here:
The same day, two fellows—Chatula Kampo Kangali from Zambia and Aramis Castro from Peru—took part in a session titled “Including the International Press in the Solar Revolution” hosted by the International Solar Alliance. The panel explored how journalists can help convey the power of solar energy to fuel growth, promote environmental protection and address global challenges.
Kangali and Castro took part in discussions around the challenges and opportunities in covering the energy transition. They emphasized the urgency and transformative potential of solar energy in tackling climate challenges.
Fellows also had the opportunity to interview experts, including White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi, who was able to provide a US perspective on climate negotiations; and representatives from the World Bank, Jennifer Sara and Stéphane Hallegatte, who discussed the role of the World Bank as an interim host to support the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage as well as their International Development Association (IDA), which is a critical source of concessional finance for low-income and vulnerable countries, and also the largest climate fund for poorer countries.
Dr @Abidsuleri ED SDPI & Member International Advisory Committee @COP29_AZ
speaking to @earthjournalism #COP29 #PakAtCOP29 #SDPIxCOP29 pic.twitter.com/G1BCRT7cz1— SDPI (@SDPIPakistan) November 20, 2024
Fellows also took part in informative huddles with Climate Home News and the Pulitzer Center, who provided tips and advice on applying for reporting grants and funding and how to pitch their stories effectively.
Nigerian journalist and fellow Chiamaka Obiageli Enendu noted, “Sitting in on discussions where critical decisions were being debated was exhilarating. What excited me the most was the opportunity to interview high-profile authorities, including policymakers and global climate experts, who shared unique insights that enriched my storytelling. This experience deepened my understanding of the climate crisis and its nuances.”
Learning and mentorship
Both the in-person and virtual fellows took part in daily morning briefings and received mentoring and guidance from EJN’s seasoned mentors and trainers. This year, the CCMP trainers were: Joydeep Gupta (EJN India Manager), Imelda Abaño (EJN Program Manager for the Philippines), Angelina Davydova (environmental and climate journalist and media trainer), Fermín Koop (EJN climate change trainer), David Akana, (CCMP trainer and Director of Africa Programs at Mongabay) and Ramesh Bhushal (EJN Nepal and South Asia Program Manager).
Abaño filmed her activities at COP, offering a glimpse into the CCMP fellowship:
“Reporting at COP was intense, fun, and an informative experience. I have social anxiety so in public it is difficult to ask questions but due to the support and confidence I got from the trainers as well as other fellows, I think it was the first time I asked a question at a press conference,” said Pakistani journalist and fellow, Zaki Abbas.
Virtual fellow Rajendra Bhatta also commented on his experience. “Reporting on COP remotely was both an exciting and challenging experience for me.... One of the most memorable aspects of this experience was working on my climate story, where I had to diligently connect with key individuals and incorporate their insights into my report. Another advantage was the easy access I had to different people and experts through my affiliation with EJN. This connection helped me build valuable relationships with Nepali delegates attending COP29, which was a great opportunity.” He added that his own network of friends and fellow journalists helped him include diverse voices and enrich his reporting.
Bhushal also reflected that “reporting on the largest global gathering on climate change and the biggest story of the century is a huge opportunity for journalists to learn. While complex negotiations are always at the core of these meetings, so much happens on the sidelines, where scientists, activists, policymakers, youth, women, farmers and companies proposing solutions to the crisis, as well as influential fossil fuel lobbyists keep a journalist busy by providing views, news and information.”
“A journalist at the COP will have the chance to sharpen their understanding of climate science and policy and speak with diverse stakeholders with different interests,” he added.
CCMP coverage
At last count, the fellows produced more than 220 stories in 39 outlets and 17 different languages!
Climate finance was at the heart of this year’s negotiations—and fellows’ coverage. Syrian journalist and fellow Zeina Adnan Shahla interrogated how finance can be shared equitably, especially for countries where conflict has destroyed infrastructure and nature, whilst Pakistan’s Abbas explored the potential of carbon markets to attract investment so that nations like his can achieve their climate goals.
Another key topic of conversation was alternative energy and how to propel societies away from traditional carbon-intensive energy in a just transition. Fellow Dewi Safitri explored Indonesia’s potential for nuclear energy, whilst Jana Karasova reported on how the Czech Republic is offering guidance for other countries looking to adopt nuclear energy. Other fellows delved into the influence that traditional fossil fuels continue to hold: Aleksander Gurgul examined why Poland is not turning its back on coal, while Bulgarian fellow Zornitsa Spasova investigated the influence wielded by the 1,773 fossil fuel lobbyists present at COP29—a group outnumbering the total sum of delegates from the 10 countries most vulnerable to climate change.
Virtual fellow Zornitsa Spasova was interview by Bulgarian National Radio News about COP29. Listen here.
Fellows also looked to the future of climate negotiations, and explored which nations have the potential to become climate leaders; Selin Ugurtas explored Turkey’s place and its bid to host COP31 in 2026, whilst Liu Yi delved into the potential of China as a global leader.
Abaño commented, “CCMP fellows were able to interact with their country delegation and other world leaders, providing relevant reports on what matters to their audience back home. Coupled with mentorship, high-quality stories produced by fellows from the climate summit may deliver better-informed society and raise global awareness of the climate challenges our communities face. I am hopeful for good climate journalism to thrive.”
Some also participated in a video reporting project with Covering Climate Now: Chiamaka Obiageli Enendu reported on the just transition underway in her home country, Nigeria, during COP’s Energy, Peace, Relief and Recovery Day and on the summit's Food, Agriculture and Water Day, Mereoni Mili shared insights on the impact of cyclones and floods on Fiji's agriculture.
Networking with other climate journalists
Fellows took a field trip to Gobustan State Historical and Cultural Reserve to learn more about mud volcanoes, a natural phenomenon which are formed from tectonic movements that cause underground gases to reach the surface and burn perpetually. Azerbaijan is home to around 400 of these unique natural wonders, estimated to be up to 25 million years old.
To expand their professional connections, fellows also took part in a networking mixer for journalists with Clean Energy Wire as well as another mixer organized by EJN and the Stanley Center.
Reflecting on the experience as a whole, Philippine journalist and fellow Jhoanna Lou Enriquez Albano said, “I didn't realize UNFCCC was its own little world—with unique processes, history, vocabulary and even its own sense of time.
In this fellowship, I learned to navigate that while keeping abreast with issues on a global scale and at a national level, with issues unique to my country. I was able to connect with a lot of sources that I would otherwise not have, and made my presence known to government officials and sources.”
Virtual fellow from India Mohsin Mulla spoke about his experience reporting remotely, saying, “I believe climate change is a defining moment in human history. However, many people living in small cities and rural areas are not fully aware of the issue.” He explained that sharing information with communities most vulnerable to climate impacts can help empower groups to voice their opinions and shape climate policies. “In this context, EJN's support for journalists from rural and remote areas is vital,” he said.
Also reflecting on the fellowship, EJN in-person and virtual mentor Davydova said, “All of the journalists from Eastern and Southeastern Europe and Central Asia participated for the first time at the COP. It was obviously quite an overwhelming experience for them, but I was very happy to see how their time at the COP turned out to be so productive and they could produce so many articles and radio features. Many of them told me how much more professional they feel now, after the COP, as well as positive, as they continue reporting about the climate agenda in their respective media.”
You can read stories published by our CCMP fellows here.
Banner Image: Twenty in-person fellows from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brazil, China, Czechia, Fiji, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Romania, Syria, Türkiye, Uganda, Vietnam, and Zambia joined EJN staff and mentors for their orientation day in Baku, Azerbaijan / Credit: EJN.
