A comprehensive update on The Guardian’s efforts to tackle the climate and nature emergencies
Four years ago, The Guardian made a bold commitment to confront the most pressing crisis of our time: climate breakdown. Since then, the renowned news organization has dedicated itself to reporting on the causes, consequences, and solutions of this emergency. In this article, we delve into the progress The Guardian has made on its six vital promises, including a strengthened commitment to the natural world.
Powerful Environmental Reporting that Drives Change
The Guardian’s commitment to powerful environmental reporting remains unwavering. With over a dozen dedicated climate, biodiversity, and climate justice reporters across the globe, the organization ensures that the climate and nature emergencies receive the sustained attention and prominence they deserve. By collaborating with other media organizations and publishing work in the public interest, The Guardian reaches a wide audience, amplifying the impact of its journalism.
Highlighting the Impact on People and Species
Recognizing that marginalized communities often bear the brunt of climate and nature crises, The Guardian ensures that its reporting includes the voices and experiences of those most affected. From on-the-ground reports of extreme weather events to the latest scientific findings linking these events to human-caused global heating, The Guardian sheds light on the interconnectedness between climate breakdown and its impact on both people and the natural world. Additionally, the organization examines policies, ideas, and solutions that can address these crises while promoting a fairer and more equal world.
Updating Language and Holding Accountable
In 2019, The Guardian introduced new language guidelines to accurately describe the environmental crises facing the world. Now, the organization has further updated these guidelines, using the term “nature crisis” instead of “biodiversity crisis” to make the issue more accessible and relatable. The Guardian continues to emphasize the connections between climate and nature crises in its reporting and holds countries and businesses accountable for their role in the destruction of the natural world.
Reducing Emissions and Impact on Nature
The Guardian recognizes that its environmental impact extends beyond greenhouse gas emissions. To address this, the organization conducted a study to understand its impact on nature and has published its findings and a plan of action. Strengthening procurement processes, developing sustainable purchasing guidance for staff, and measuring progress against the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by two-thirds by 2030 are among the steps taken by The Guardian. These efforts have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative.
Divesting from Fossil Fuels and Investing in Renewable Energy
As part of its commitment to decoupling its business and finances from fossil fuel extractive companies, The Guardian stopped accepting advertising from such companies in January 2020. The organization has almost fully eliminated its exposure to fossil fuels in its public portfolio and is using its private portfolio to accelerate the transition to renewable energy. The Guardian’s endowment is actively working to understand the impact of its investments on the climate and nature emergencies, participating in initiatives like Nature Action 100 to drive corporate ambition and action.
Transparency and Accountability
The Guardian remains transparent about its progress by publishing sustainability and positive impact reports. These reports detail the organization’s greenhouse gas emissions and the steps taken to reduce them. Emissions have already decreased by 30% in the first two years of The Guardian’s 10-year plan. The organization is committed to incorporating biodiversity into its emissions reduction plan, recognizing the interconnectedness between carbon emissions and their impact on nature. The Guardian’s B Corp status, achieved in 2019 and re-certified in 2023, reflects the improvements made in governance, employment policies, and environmental performance.
Conclusion:
The Guardian’s commitment to addressing the climate and nature emergencies remains steadfast. Through powerful reporting, attention to the impact on people and species, updated language guidelines, emission reduction efforts, divestment from fossil fuels, and transparency, The Guardian continues to drive change and hold governments and businesses accountable. As the organization progresses on its promises, it sets an example for the media industry and inspires action towards a more sustainable and equitable future.
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