Young Environmental Journalists Unite to Shape Tomorrow’s Green Future

A new generation of environmental journalists is refusing to give up hope in the face of mounting planetary crises. Through Mongabay’s Y. Eva Tan Conservation Reporting Fellows program, young reporters from six countries are sharing their vision for environmental journalism and its power to build a better future.

The fellowship brings together emerging journalists from Malaysia, India, Colombia, Brazil, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo – representing diverse perspectives united by a common mission. In a new commentary series called “Our Letters to the Future,” these fellows reflect on their experiences covering environmental issues in their home communities and the insights gained during their six-month program.

One fellow captured the spirit of this movement, expressing determination to “learn to flow like rivers and put down roots like forests” while keeping alive “narratives of connection with nature and respect for all other beings.” This poetic yet practical approach reflects how young environmental journalists are combining storytelling with scientific rigor to communicate urgent conservation messages.

The series showcases both the unique challenges each region faces and the shared commitment these journalists bring to their work. As they embark on their careers amid climate change, biodiversity loss, and other environmental crises, these young voices represent hope for more effective environmental communication. Their collaborative approach emphasizes that tackling global environmental challenges requires not just individual passion, but collective action and cross-cultural dialogue among those committed to planetary stewardship.