Photo by Arnaud Gillard on Unsplash
I always try to emphasize that one of the most important things we can do as individuals for a more sustainable and just world is becoming as informed about key issues as we can.
Knowledge is power. And we can use that power to spread awareness, to put pressure on companies and governments, and to initiate long-overdue social, economic, and political changes.
But in the age of information overload and fake news, it’s not always easy to filter out the authentic and factual information or keep up with the 24-hour news cycles. So, I’ve put together a list of sources I generally find to be credible on environmental issues and the climate crisis. I try to take advantage of the many available channels and make sure I follow at least a couple of environmental accounts on all social media platforms besides regularly checking on a few media outlets and websites. This helps me keep on top of the news and follow the latest developments.
With that said, never take anything at face value. Use your critical thinking skills, value facts above opinions, and make sure you’re not enclosed in a filter bubble. The more diverse our media consumption is, the more chance we have at a thorough understanding of the critical issues at hand.
Websites
+ Grist
One of the most well known green websites, Grist is an independent news outlet and network of innovators “working toward a planet that doesn’t burn and a future that doesn’t suck.” Climate, sustainability, and social justice news and reports shared with a unique voice. Subscribe to the newsletter to get a daily summary of the most important happenings.
A news aggregator that shares the latest climate crisis articles by major publications all around the world.
+ The Guardian Environment section
Most major media outlets have dedicated sections on the climate emergency but I find the Guardian’s Environment section particularly thorough and up-to-date.
Treehugger is a great source of environmental news with a focus on green design, technology, architecture, and sustainable innovations. Also shares sustainable lifestyle tips.
The Ecologist has been reporting on environmental issues since 1970. Besides the most recent environmental news, they publish important investigative pieces as well.
Podcasts
I’ve shared some of my favorite sustainability podcasts in this post. Most of those focus on in-depth discussions of different topics and issues, often featuring interesting discussions with experts. To keep up with the latest environmental news, I recommend Living on Earth, a weekly rundown on the most important environmental headlines of the past 7 days.
Non-profit organization sharing news and lots of ways to be involved.
+ Oceana
Dedicated to protecting and restoring the world’s oceans. Shares news, visual stories and ways to get involved from petitions to events.
Another account about protecting marine life and our oceans. Warning: it’s a very visual account with sometimes triggering graphic images.
I could list this among the websites as well as it publishes great articles, but the Instagram account is also very insightful – follow for ethical fashion news, lifestyle tips, and climate news.
+ Leonardo DiCaprio, Shailene Woodley, Emma Watson
Some celebrities whose environmental activism goes beyond PR soundbites at award shows.
I could list a lot more Twitter accounts here, as this is the platform I mainly turn to for environmental news. Just start following some as these accounts are quite active in sharing and retweeting, so you’ll be exposed to a lot of interesting content and voices.
It’s hard to NOT hear about Greta these days, but still worth following her directly. She’s most active on twitter sharing thoughts, resources, and news.
Climate scientist and professor
Author, social activist, a vocal critic of globalization and capitalism
An intersectional movement of youth activists fighting for a liveable planet
Al Gore’s environmentalist organization
+ Indigenous Environmental Network
North American network of Indigenous Peoples fighting for environmental justice
Environmentalist and founder of 350.org
Uniting frontline communities and organizations
Organizations
Follow these organizations to get updates on events, protests, petitions, and other ways to get involved
+ Extinction Rebellion
+ Greenpeace
Website (Find your local chapter)
+ Fridays for Future
+ Fashion Revolution
+ Earth Day Network
+ 350.org
+ Change.org (follow for petitions)
