Uncertainty and hope — these sentiments prevail in a series of commentaries published by the latest cohort of Mongabay’s Y. Eva Tan Conservation Reporting Fellows as they conclude their program and forge new paths into environmental journalism. Uncertainty centers on the future of our planet, the journalists who cover it and the people who defend it. Hope resides in youth and the power of truth in storytelling.
It’s the hope part that I especially want to highlight. For the past six months, enterprising early-career journalists from Brazil, Colombia, India, Malaysia, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo convened in a virtual program. Despite never meeting in person, this group gelled. They formed new bonds, united in their passion for Planet Earth. They shared thoughts and fears that resonated across continents. And they emerged with a deep sense of responsibility to work for a better future. That is my hope; the inspiration that feeds my soul.
Between May and October, each fellow worked through intensive trainings, field and desk reporting and the rigors of Mongabay’s editing processes. Each produced a range of reports on conservation, climate and biodiversity in their regions. You can read them all on our website. Click on their bylines for their archives.
To capture their parting thoughts, the fellows have published commentaries, which are collected in a series titled Our Letters to the Future:
Fernanda Biasoli (Brazil) writes about finding hope in the young generations that will join the mission to report truth and inspire action. Her essay is based on a speech she recently gave at São Paulo State University.
Samuel Ogunsona (Nigeria) highlights Africa’s potential to lead the world toward a more sustainable future. His commentary comes just in time for the UN Climate Change Conference, happening now in Brazil.
Shradha Triveni (India) writes that environmental journalists today are reporting on their own lived experience, as climate change is here and now. This, she says, requires new tools and shifts in perspective.
Manuel Fonseca (Colombia) defines the responsibilities journalists have to report on the nuanced struggles of environmental defenders, who risk everything to save what’s most important to their communities.
Blaise Kasereka Makuta (DRC) reports on the critical need to save — and study — the species that are central to traditional medicine and the healing heritage of his Indigenous culture.
Lee Kwai Han (Malaysia) writes about becoming a journalist and finding what sets this profession apart in a changing media world: ethics.
As their mentor, I admit my bias here, but reading these commentaries brings tears to my eyes and hope to my heart. The world is in honest, diligent hands with these journalists, who understand the immensely hard work ahead. And I can’t think of anyone better to guide us into the uncertain future.
Banner image: People walk past a jaguar image inside a COP30 venue in Belém, Brazil. Image by AP Photo/Andre Penner.
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