Let’s talk about something that's equal parts urgent, inspiring, and honestly… sometimes a little overwhelming: the environment (shocker, I know).
Climate change.
Pollution.
Deforestation.
Coral bleaching.
You see a headline a day (or more) about these things.
And while it’s great that climate stories are getting more attention, the way they’re told and who’s telling them, matters just as much as the stories themselves.
Photo by Julia Volk
Eco-journalism (or environmental journalism) is the branch of reporting that focuses on the natural world and how humans interact with it. That includes everything from scientific discoveries and policy changes to grassroots activism and Indigenous land rights.
The goal? To keep everyone informed (and hopefully inspired) when it comes to protecting the planet.
environmental journalism is more than weather reports; it's about people & the story of us
Photo by Peter Perhac
Eco-journalism is more than science nerds, weather reports, and animal sightings.
Historically, a lot of environmental reporting has lived in the science section.
- think of graphs,
- melting ice caps,
- the hole in the ozone layer,
- carbon ppm (parts per million),
- and stern-faced scientists.
Important? Absolutely.
Accessible and emotionally resonant? Needs improvement.
But this is why we need a variety of media covering climate and environmental topics. Not just traditional news outlets, but podcasts, YouTubers, TikTok creators, independent journalists, photographers, poets, even comedians (yep, climate humor is a thing and it’s actually kind of genius. Hila the Earth was our eco-spotlights in June’s newsletter!).
Because we all connect with stories in different ways.
- Some folks are moved by hard data and policy analysis.
- Others might only feel the urgency of climate change after seeing a documentary about a community losing its drinking water.
- Or reading a personal essay from someone who grew up near a now-dead river.
- Or learning about native plants and gardening.
- And some people might finally pay attention after a climate meme makes them laugh and think.
The more voices, perspectives, and styles of storytelling we have in the mix, the better chance we have at reaching everyone. That’s crucial when the issue affects all of us, (because it sure does)
( r e )presentation matters! and it has a place in journalism and environmental influencers
Photo by Max DeRoin
There’s also a deeper reason why media diversity in eco-journalism is so essential: climate change doesn’t affect everyone equally.
Marginalized communities (especially in the Global South, Indigenous populations, and low-income neighborhoods) are often hit hardest by environmental issues, even though they’ve contributed the least to the problem.
If we only hear about climate change from Western, wealthy, or corporate voices, we miss out on the lived experiences of people who are literally on the frontlines. Many of these communities already have eco-systems in place or are trying to get them funded and moving.
It’s not just a disservice to journalism, it’s a disservice to justice to leave their voices, impact and work out of the conversation.
We need local reporters.
We need Indigenous storytellers.
We need youth voices.
We need climate content in multiple languages.
We need outlets that aren’t afraid to call out greenwashing.
We need journalists who ask tough questions, but also those who shine light on hope, resilience, and innovation.
From happy news to not-so-happy news.
Variety is important here. So here’s a medley to highlight some different sources & types of eco-journalism telling us what we need to know about our planet:
5 essential environmental newsletters for conscious minds
Photo: insideclimatenews.org
A list of newsletters you can sign up for to have the best, quick, eco-media sent right to your inbox:
- Inside Climate News Weekly for a wide range of coverage; top headlines & news stories covering all things global warming and climate change.
- UN Climate Newsletter for your policy-focused news, following important updates on climate and environmental legislation and economics around the globe.
- NASA's Climate Newsletter for the science, fact-backed basics about our planet and the impacts of global climate change.
- Climate Action for advocacy focused, calls-to-action, equipping readers with helpful tips on how to take, well, action!
- Good Newsletter a more hopeful and optimistic resource for all the good things being done & people putting in the work to help our warming planet.
direct from the source: 6 newsletters (mostly) by environmental journalists
Unthinkable by Dr. Wray Substack
- A list of newsletters/substacks you can sign up for that come directly from boots on the ground journalists and reporters making their own way. Both free and paid substack subscriptions are available for these talented and passionate writers:
- Dr. Len Necefer is a Ph.D., Diné, CEO & Founder of NativesOutdoors, a native-owned athletic and creative collective cultivating indigenous talent. He’s worked in government, is a member of the Navajo Nation, a filmmaker and a fierce advocate for our planet. His newsletter keeps it real without perpetuating existential dread. He focuses on the facts while always keeping an undertone of hope for the future.
- Wes is an Outside Magazine columnist and adventure travel writer. As such he’s an outdoorsy guy and is extremely vocal about protecting the environment. When I want to make sense of what the current administration is attempting to do with public lands, I go to Wes’s substack. He recently highlighted the Members of Congress who voted against public lands and wrote about the MABA (Make America Beautiful Again) movement to amplify much of the performative and artificial claims people make about caring for the planet.
Letters To An American by Heather Cox Richardson
- I was told by the team if we put no one else in this section, make sure HCR is there. HCR is not a reporter but actually a history professor. Through this lens, she writes a daily (free) newsletter contrasting the principles the United States was founded upon with the reality of what lawmakers are currently trying to pass. Our favorite thing about Cox Richardson’s writing style is that she does not allow the integrity of the facts to take a back seat, while still making the information simple and easy to digest. (This newsletter is also delivered as a podcast if you prefer to listen that way!)
The Golden Hour by Anya Kamentz
- A former NPR journalist, Anya has taken to substack to write about coping with climate anxiety without losing hope. It’s really hard to put into words how her newsletter makes you feel. If you’re a caregiver, a sensitive individual falling into nihilism, concerned about education, or just the average basketcase, this is for you.
- Dr. Wray is the author of Generation Dread (listed in books below). In this newsletter, she amplifies other voices in the climate space who are experts in what they do while also taking a kind of ‘Dear Abby’ approach to her writing. We are all concerned about lots of things right now: how to talk about climate change to people who don’t care, about bringing kids into this world, about relatives falling into the climate denial category, etc. Many are feeling an overwhelming sense of eco-anxiety and this letter is here to ensure ‘we don’t lose all our marbles’.
Resonant World by Matthew Green
- A former reporter for legacy media, Matthew has seen it all, which means he’s also seen all the good and understands we need a path to collective healing. His newsletter documents his own journey to understand the impact of collective trauma. In this newsletter, he highlights the voices, initiatives, and people he meets along the way.
6 leading environmental organizations for eco news & advocacy
Good News By Vox Newsletter
If an overfilled inbox doesn’t sound too appealing, here are some organizations writing news you can follow and read on your own time:
- Happy Eco News is exactly what it sounds like: uplifting, hopeful, and optimistic highlights about all the important eco-friendly and sustainable actions taking place around the world.
- EcoWatch is an aggregate of professionals, community-leaders, and scientists covering climate science, the latest studies, and need-to-know headlines about human and planet health.
- re/make is a collective organization focused on reforming fashion on all fronts: inequality, unjust labor laws, and of course, harmful production practices. Their blog highlights important news stories and topics inspiring change and environmental advocacy.
- Good News by Vox is a one- stop-shop for your daily dose of happiness. One of the most crucial ways we can combat all the problems in this world is by remaining hopeful and optimistic that they can be solved. Anxiety and fear don’t accomplish anything, so read up on the good news not just about climate change, but about our world in general. (this newsletter helped calm my colleague Lauren’s eco-anxiety around air conditioning as temperatures skyrocketed this summer).
- Earth Works is an organization fighting for clean air, water and land, healthy communities, and corporate accountability. They work for solutions that protect the Earth’s resources, climate, and communities, and compile resources & stories to spread the word.
- DeSmog is a resource to help you cut through the BS. Using hard-hitting investigative journalists, in-depth research, and collaborations with other outlets, DeSmog works tirelessly to provide climate accountability and serve as an antidote to science denial and disinformation. Forget politics. Forget the stories. Just cold, hard facts.
15 environmental influencers shaping social sustainability
There are many, MANY influencers that support and promote all kinds of causes. Here are just a few doing important work to spread the news about climate change:
- Aditi Mayer @aditimayer - one of the top sustainable fashion influencers and an advocate for labor rights and social justice. She has become a leading voice in sustainability, thanks to her services on the councils of Intersectional Environmentalist and State of Fashion
- Bea Johnson @zerowastehome - author of the bestselling book Zero Waste Home, having turned her ideas from a blog into a movement. She has brought awareness to hundreds of thousands of homes on how they can reduce consumption and waste.
- Lauren Singer @trashisfortossers - a firm advocate for the zero-waste lifestyle. She’s been living her sustainable lifestyle since 2012, when she first started collecting all of the waste she created in a single mason jar. She now shares tips for others to do the same on her blog, Trash is for Tossers
- Nick Cutsumpas @farmernick - a well known plant-genious and avid organic farmer. He promotes regenerative farming practices and sustainable food systems, teaching people how to connect with the earth through gardening & growing.
- Summer Dean @climatediva - storyteller and climate scientist, Summer is the go-to creator to understand any complex climate topic or phenomenon. She helps break down all the environmental science you need to know into fun-to-watch, easy-to-grasp tidbits.
- Karishma | Climate Girl @karishmaclimategirl - a passionate voice for young activists in the climate space, Karishma makes content about all things climate politics, environmental science, culture, and advocacy. She is a great resource to understand how and why we should save the planet.
- Lily @imperfectidealist - a great creator if you are trying to make the small changes in your everyday life that really add up. Lily is big on making the most of what you already have, saying no to fast fashion, and saving the planet, one small action at a time.
- Beatrice @antiplasticlady - the world of plastics is incredibly complicated and confusing. Thank goodness for creators like The Anti Plastic Lady who can break down and simplify everything we need to know about plastics, why they’re harmful, what to do with them, and how to limit them (for our sake and the planet’s).
- Alex Shulze @alexjshulze - a passionate worker for 4Ocean, Alex shows the real impact of ocean cleanups and what it looks like to make a physical impact on the planet. He shows the behind the scenes of working for an organization like 4Ocean, and sheds light on the plastic crisis in real time.
- The Ocean Cleanup @theoceancleanup - this company is doing amazing things to clean up our oceans. They develop tools and technology to get as much plastic out of our oceans as possible. Check out their socials for fascinating videos about what work they are doing and the impact it’s having.
- Ben & Ciara @goinggreenmedia (pictured above) - creative and innovative, Ben and Ciara highlight the infinite ideas people are coming up with to solve environmental problems. From bricks made of textile waste to pocket forests, these two are shedding light on so many cool projects and innovations.
- Suay Sew Shop @suaysewshop - rebranding the textile game, Suay Sew Shop is remarkable at using textiles that would otherwise end up in landfills, and turning them into stylish pieces. They are reminding us all that fashion does not have to harm the planet,and that recycling can be a fashion statement.
- Leah Thomas @greengirlsworld - creator and author of “The Intersectional Environmentalist” (description below), Leah is spreading the world on gentle, small-scale actions that can have lasting impacts. From crafts to recycling to education, this creator will help you realize all the small ways that you can make a big impact.
- Alaina Wood @thegarbagequeen - this creator is taking the newscasting into her own hands to make sure that sustainability science is told to the masses. Alaina is an award-winning climate storyteller who focuses on research, climate news, and environmental progress.
- Sustainable Fashion Friend @sustainablefashionfriend - navigating the world of fashion as someone who cares about the planet can be a daunting and overwhelming task. This creator makes it simple. She focuses on spreading the word about brands that are actually sustainable and informs her audience about the red flags you should be aware of to avoid greenwashing.
6 page-turning & inspiring environmental & sustainable books
More of the physical copy type? Here are a few books we recommend getting your hands on to read up on sustainability:
- “What if We Get it Right” by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson - This read is a wonderful choice for anyone in need of some hope and direction. In this book, Johnson offers a fresh, inspired path forward, collecting essays and lively conversations (all brought together beautifully by data, poetry, and art). She explores the powerful intersection of science, policy, culture and justice alongside visionary farmers, architects, financiers, and advocates. This book will help you envision a future that won’t come easily, but one that’s absolutely worth striving for, together, using whatever skills, resources, or passion each of us can bring to the table.
- “Climate Optimism” by Zahra Biabani - Yes, the future of humanity can feel overwhelming, but we don’t have to stay stuck in that fear. What if, instead, we shifted our mindset and focused on the real, nature-based solutions already within reach? The truth is, there’s plenty of good news out there; promising environmental trends that are reshaping how we think about climate action. The stories in this book offer hope, momentum, and a reminder that protecting the planet is not only possible, it’s already happening.
- “The Sustainable Economy” by Robert S Devine - This book is a smart, engaging guide to fixing the root cause of climate change: our broken economic system. Journalist Robert S. Devine strips away the jargon to reveal how many environmental crises (like global warming) are really economic failures in disguise. Through vivid stories and surprising humor, he shows how we can reshape the economy to protect the planet and improve our quality of life.
- “Generation Dread” by Dr. Britt Wray - this book is like a heartfelt therapy session for your climate-anxious soul—equal parts science, story, and soothing balm. With a sharp wit and compassionate voice, Wray dives into the messy emotional terrain of eco-anxiety and shows us how to turn our dread into meaningful action (and maybe even a little hope).
- “The Intersectional Environmentalist” by Leah Thomas - this book is a compelling exploration of how environmentalism and social justice are deeply connected. With thoughtful insight and a clear, inclusive framework, Thomas outlines how sustainability efforts must also address issues of race, class, and systemic inequality to create lasting, equitable change.
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“To Dye For” by Alden Wicker - this book pulls back the (colorfully toxic) curtain on the fashion industry, revealing the hidden health costs of our favorite fits. With sass, smarts, and a splash of investigative grit, Wicker makes you rethink that “harmless” fast-fashion haul—and maybe reach for organic cotton next time.
rooted in place: discover local environmental journalism near you
Local journalism is absolutely critical, especially when it comes to climate change: something so niche and specific to each community that it impacts.
The local-media ecosystem that informs the public about critical environmental issues is collapsing, and its survival relies on an endangered species: the environmental journalist. So here are some sources you can turn to for more specific, relevant eco news in your area:
- Axios News — In a world where news organizations were getting gobbled up and shut down, three former Politico journalists started Axios in 2017 for better, more reliable news. On top of covering Nationwide stories they have local reporters in 6 cities who focus on local stories.
- Inside Climate News - the local section of this website is incredibly helpful to find the latest headlines for specific areas across the US. This resource highlights the work being done region by region, and bureau by bureau to address climate change and spread the word.
- BlockClub (Lauren’s recommendation for Chicago) — Block Club is a nonprofit news organization that covers each of Chicago’s neighborhoods with hyperlocal, nonpartisan reporting. Chicago is such a large city, neighborhoods often get glossed over but every neighborhood is what makes Chicago so great!
- Westword - Denver, Colorado (my home sweet home) is home to Westword, a free, independent daily news source covering all things Denver, including environmental topics like composting, local weather, and invasive species.
- The Denver Gazette - an important part of eco journalism is eco-access and recreation. The Denver Gazette is a great journalism tool for all the treehuggers and avid hikers in the Denver area who want to know what’s going on outside, in the mountains, in the lakes, and everywhere in between.
- L.A. Taco - Paulina’s recommendation! L.A. Taco is committed to celebrating Los Angeles. The real LA, not the one glamorized on TV and in the movies. Since 2006, they’ve been an independently owned and operated media platform covering all neighborhoods of LA, underground culture, and the “everyday heroes who propel our fine city”.
- KPFK 90.7 FM - Paulina is a radio girl so if you’re in the LA area and radio is your jam, this is for you. KPFK is a listener-supported, progressive station that’s been around since 1959. I love this line from their website, “We’re non-commercial by design—no ads, no sponsors, no billionaire backers.Just people-powered radio, built on resistance, curiosity, and a deep belief in public truth.”
The way we get our news has changed.
Full stop.
But far from being a bad thing, it’s an extremely powerful transformation.
Ready to bring a little sustainability into your closet?
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