A powerful message of hope and uncertainty emerges from the ‘Letters to the Future’ series, penned by Mongabay’s Y. Eva Tan Conservation Reporting Fellows. These young journalists, hailing from diverse corners of the globe, have united in their passion for our planet’s future. Despite never meeting in person, they formed unbreakable bonds, sharing thoughts and fears that transcended borders. Their journey, over six months, was an intensive one, involving rigorous training, field reporting, and the exacting standards of Mongabay’s editing process. Each fellow produced a range of reports on conservation, climate, and biodiversity in their regions, leaving an indelible mark on our website.
But here’s where it gets controversial… or at least thought-provoking. Each fellow has now published a commentary, a personal letter to the future, collected in the series ‘Our Letters to the Future’. These letters explore a range of critical issues, from the potential for Africa to lead the world towards sustainability, to the unique challenges faced by environmental journalists today, who are reporting on their own lived experiences of climate change. They discuss the ethical responsibilities of journalists in reporting on environmental defenders, the need to preserve and study species central to traditional medicine, and the role of ethics in a changing media landscape.
As their mentor, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride and hope. These journalists, with their honest and diligent approach, understand the immense challenges that lie ahead. And it’s their unique perspective, shaped by their diverse backgrounds and experiences, that gives me confidence in our future.
So, what do you think? Are you inspired by these young journalists’ dedication to truth and action? Or do you have concerns about the challenges they face? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s spark a conversation about the future of environmental journalism and the role it plays in shaping our world.