EJN Wraps Up Net Zero Project in Argentina and South Africa, Supporting the Production of 13 Stories and 2 Reporters’ Resources

As greenhouse gases trap heat in our planet’s atmosphere and contribute to climate change, countries around the world are making pledges to achieve net zero—a state in which greenhouse gas emissions are balanced by the removal of these gases from the atmosphere via carbon sinks and other methods.

In 2023, EJN launched the second phase of its Pathways to Net Zero project, which aims to strengthen climate-related coverage in Argentina and South Africa (the first phase, launched in 2022, focused on net zero journalism in India and South Africa). 

Phase two activities included two trainings—an introduction to net zero workshop in Argentina and a net zero data journalism workshop in South Africa. Participants in the South Africa workshop also produced data journalism stories on topics that ranged from how young people can take part in the renewable energy transition, to the families displaced by coal mining in Mpumalanga. 

EJN also awarded 13 story grants to journalists in Argentina and South Africa. In South Africa, two grantees produced data journalism stories on the country's decarbonization journey and its challenges:  

• Sakhile Dube delved into South Africa’s potential as a global battery storage powerhouse, and its ability to capitalize on abundant mineral resources, strategic positioning and access to Zimbabwe’s lithium resources. 
• Julie Bourdin explored what happens to a coalmine after it is closed but not rehabilitated, and how these "zombie mines" plague local communities.

Bourdin explains that her story investigating “ghost coal mines” in Mpumalanga “was an eye-opener in realizing how crucial transparency and accountability will be in South Africa's just energy transition. As the country moves towards greener energy sources, closing coal mines and power stations, it is important to listen to local communities to ensure they won't be left behind—as has been done in the past. Reporting in depth on these complex issues is essential but requires a lot of time and meticulous research. It would simply have been impossible without the support of the Earth Journalism Network, for which I am very grateful."

In Argentina, project partner Banco de Bosques—an organization based in Argentina which aims to fight climate change through protecting native forests—awarded 11 journalists grants, with the support of EJN, to delve into various pathways to net zero from how agroecology alternatives can help combat the climate crisis to how local sports clubs are turning to solar to reduce their carbon footprint: 

• Journalist Emilia Delfino examined how nearly one million hectares of salt flats in Argentina are rich in lithium—a critical mineral touted as an essential alternative energy source, used in battery storage and electric vehicles—and are owned by five companies only. She created a database from scratch and profiled each company.
• Journalist Jazmín Bazán traveled to Patagonia in southern Argentina to report on how grasslands are facing degradation and desertification, affecting local farmers and ecosystem services. She spoke with researchers and farmers and reviewed recent studies on how grasslands’ ability to capture carbon is being altered.
• Journalist Andrés Burgo looked at how more than 250 sport clubs in Santa Fe province are using solar panels and heaters to reduce costs amid recent tariff increases, speaking with clubs and government authorities about the trend.
• Journalist Natalia Concina traveled to Patagonia in southern Argentina to report on the climate-driven water crisis faced by the town of Jacobacci. She spoke to neighbors and local authorities who have been working on solutions such as solar pumps and irrigation systems.
• Journalist Jorgelina Hiba visited a family farm in the province of Santa Fe that combines livestock production with management of native forests, leading to benefits such as carbon capture and lessons for the agriculture and livestock industries.
• Journalist Mariana Jaroslavsky focused on the yerba mate plant used to make a popular drink in Argentina, and how crops in the provinces of Misiones and Corrientes are being affected by overuse of pesticides. She looked at agroecology alternatives that may help mitigate the climate crisis.
• Journalist Mar Centenera looked at how Argentines can bring down energy consumption and the costs of utilities by incorporating sustainable construction in their homes. From solar panels to alternative construction materials, she listed different energy-efficient and sustainable options already being used across the country.
• Journalist Laura Hevia examined how natural gas producers are seeking solutions such as renewable energy and forestation schemes to offset or cut carbon emissions from operational activities at Argentina’s vast gas fields. However, as Hevia reported, there are many doubts over the feasibility of these plans.
• Journalist Pablo Corso focused on the nascent electric vehicle industry in Argentina and the vibrant world of entrepreneurs and researchers working on EVs, from buses to private cars. Corso also highlighted limitations and addressed the challenges ahead.
• Journalist Cecilia Castañón visited arid areas in the province of Formosa that have very little vegetation and are considered unproductive. She focused on research projects trying to rehabilitate these areas and bring back their ecosystem services, especially carbon capture.
• Journalist Daniela López visited a community in the province of Cordoba opposing a recently installed solar farm which they argue has led to deforestation. López also spoke to community leaders and unearthed questions about the government’s permitting process. 

“The Net-Zero Project in Argentina came at a much-needed time. A new president had just taken office, openly questioning climate science and climate action. Reporters need tools and support to respond to this with in-depth stories on what is happening with the country’s net-zero transition,” said Fermín Koop, manager of the Pathways to Net Zero project in Argentina. 

“We selected reporters from across the country and with diverse backgrounds and worked with them throughout the year on impactful stories. The reporters also had the chance to participate in a workshop to boost their skills with leading experts and visit a protected area. Overall, it was a fantastic experience that highlights the importance of supporting reporters especially amid difficult contexts,” he added.

Resources

As part of this project, EJN also produced two tipsheets on Argentina’s transition to net zero, the first an introductory guide on net zero principles, policies and laws, and the second exploring the impact of forests on energy. They are available in both English and Spanish.

We also translated tipsheets produced in English from past years into Zulu and Hindi to ensure they are as accessible as possible and can reach wider audiences in South Africa and India. You can find them here:

• A Journalist’s Guide to Covering Net Zero in South Africa

• A Journalist’s Guide to Covering Net Zero Policies in South Africa

• A Journalist’s Guide to Covering Net Zero Finance in South Africa

• A Journalist’s Guide to Covering India’s Net Zero Transition

• Financing India’s Transition to Net Zero: A Primer for Journalists

• Understanding India’s Net Zero Policies: A Primer for Journalists

Journalist Qiniso Mbili, who translated the South Africa tipsheets to Zulu, noted, "The issue of language is especially important in combating the climate crisis, not only for the sake of comprehension, but also because the message should be relatable in order for it to be impactful. In addition to reaching as many communities as possible, we need to ensure that the message resonates with communities to inspire behavioral change. The use of various languages will assist immensely in mobilizing public support and promoting inclusion. This diversity will enrich dialogues, setting good grounds for innovative solutions."

Jenny Davies, project manager of the South Africa project, added, “EJN’s work in South Africa has been so impactful— net zero is a topic which can become very scientific, very quickly, but through expert training and stories with mentorship, journalists have been able to harness the power of data to enlighten, demonstrate important trends, and make intimidating numbers easily digestible.”

Banner Image: EJN story grantee Julie Bourdin explored the impacts of “zombie mines” in South Africa and was able to take drone photos of the mining areas around Ermelo, Mpumalanga / Credit: Julie Bourdin.