Journalists covering environmental issues are facing increasing violence worldwide, according to a report by UNESCO. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the dangers faced by environmental reporters, with dozens losing their lives while covering topics like illegal mining and poaching.
The UNESCO report revealed that 44 journalists were murdered in 15 countries between 2009 and 2023 while reporting on environmental issues, but only five cases resulted in convictions. Additionally, over 70% of the 905 journalists surveyed in 129 countries reported being attacked, threatened, or pressured.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric emphasized the urgent need to protect environmental defenders and uphold freedom of expression in Latin America. He cited the alarming number of deaths among environmental activists and journalists in the region, calling for action to address the issue.
UNESCO head Audrey Azulay pointed to the case of journalist Dom Phillips and indigenous expert Bruno Pereira, who were killed in the Brazilian Amazon in 2022, as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those reporting on environmental issues.
Both Guterres and Boric also condemned the deaths of journalists in Gaza amid ongoing attacks by Israel. The situation underscores the critical need to safeguard press freedom and protect journalists reporting on environmental emergencies.
The escalating violence against environmental journalists underscores the challenges faced by those seeking to expose environmental threats and hold perpetrators accountable. As the world grapples with an unprecedented environmental crisis, ensuring the safety and freedom of journalists is essential to promoting transparency and accountability.