70% of environment journalists report attacks, threats, pressure: UN

A UNESCO report revealed that 70% of environmental journalists from 129 countries experienced attacks, threats, or pressure related to their job. Two in five of those journalists subsequently faced physical violence. UNESCO warned of an increase in violence and intimidation against journalists reporting on the environment and climate. At least 749 journalists and news outlets covering environmental issues were targeted with murder, violence, detention, or legal attacks between 2009 and 2023, with a 42% increase in attacks from 2019 to 2023. UNESCO plans to launch a grants program to support persecuted environmental journalists.  Photo: Reuters