EJN and Climate Tracker Masterclass Yields 33 Stories From Southeast Asia
Last year, Internews’ Earth Journalism Network partnered with Climate Tracker, an international non-profit organization that supports, trains and incentivizes young journalists in developing countries to tell better climate stories.
Recognizing that climate change impacts such as drought, flooding and sea level rise have direct consequences on water security and conflict, the partnership was designed to equip journalists from across Southeast Asia with the knowledge, networks and resources they need to report on the climate and water nexus.
Journalists under the age of 35 in the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia were invited to apply for the paid fellowship; 14 were selected as fellows. The fellows participated in the Masterclass series, which linked them with media trainers and leading experts across the region over four sessions. With 1-1 mentoring, they produced powerful local stories – many of them collaborative and investigative.
“Our fellows were able to produce 33 amazing stories. It wasn't easy, but we put in a lot of hard work and we are very proud of the results,” said Biena Magbitang, Climate Tracker’s Asia Regional Director.
Here’s a selection of stories:
- Climate change brews the perfect conditions for dengue to spread, is fogging enough to beat that? | Malay Mail
- Indonesian, Philippine water experts push for more sustainable dams amid climate change | Jakarta Post
- Why the Philippines needs to stop using schools as evacuation centers | Philstar.com
- Malaysia gets 3 metres of rainfall a year yet millions don’t have enough clean drinking water. Why? | South China Morning Post
- Water worries at Bulacan housing project weigh on women the most | Philstar.com
- Rains and Floods Batter Philippines, Climate Activists Warn of More To Come | The News Lens
"The enthusiasm and dedication of young journalists from the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia on strengthening their reporting on climate change and water-related issues are an indication that we are going in the right direction of empowering them to raise awareness, produce high-quality stories and stir public debate," said Imelda Abano, EJN's senior coordinator for the Philippines and Pacific region. "It is good to see more and more young journalists to write in-depth, accurate and probing stories on these issues that are so crucial to their generation."
Read more stories from the partnership here.
Banner image: A Malaysian man carries a water container after refilling it from a natural spring / Credit: EPA-EFE.
