Press and Planet in Danger

From 2009 to 2023, 749 journalists covering environmental issues faced attacks, with a surge in recent years. State and private actors are key perpetrators. 44 journalists were killed, and many faced legal actions, including arrests and defamation suits.

Source: UNESCO

Series: World trends in freedom of expression and media development.

Title: Press and planet in danger – Safety of environmental journalists – trends, challenges and recommendations.

In the series: World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development Press and Planet in danger Safety of environmental journalists – trends, challenges and recommendations. At least 749 journalists, groups of journalists, and news media outlets reporting on environmental issues have been attacked in 89 countries between 2009 and 2023, in all regions of the world. Over 300 attacks occurred in the past five years, marking a 42% increase from the preceding five-year period. This surge is attributed to a rise in physical attacks like assaults, arrests and harassment, and legal actions including defamation lawsuits and criminal prosecutions. State actors have committed at least half of the 749 attacks. Private actors are responsible for at least a quarter. ÆA total of 44 journalists reporting on environmental issues have been killed in 15 different countries between 2009 and 2023, with only five cases resulting in convictions. At least 24 journalists survived murder attempts. Between 2009 to 2023, at least 204 journalists and news outlets covering environmental issues have faced legal attacks. State actors filed criminal charges against 93 of them. 39 journalists have been imprisoned, primarily in Asia and the Pacific. Defamation lawsuits are common with at least 63 cases, predominantly in Europe and North America. There have been at least 194 journalists attacked at environmental protests in the past 15 years, mainly in Europe, North America, and Latin America and the Caribbean. Police and military forces are the main perpetrators with 89 attacks, while protesters account for 32 attacks. ÆUNESCO and the International Federation of Journalists conducted a survey with 905 respondents from 129 countries. Over 70% reported being subject to attacks, threats or pressure while covering environmental issues. Men reporters experience all types of attacks more frequently than women, except for digital aggressions.Æ407 respondents (45%) said they have practiced self-censorship driven by fears of potential attacks, having their sources exposed to harm, and being aware that their environmental coverage might conflict with the interests of their employers or advertiser.

https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000389501/PDF/389501eng.pdf.multi