In 2023, Asia holds a significant role in global leadership on climate change, with the United Arab Emirates hosting the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP28). What happens in the climate conference is critical, and we want you to report on the negotiations for your home audiences.
1. What is this opportunity about?
This is a unique opportunity for young and passionate journalists from Asia interested in covering COP28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates from November 30 to December 13.
The fellowship aims to help young journalists and communicators to improve their skills, and gain a deeper understanding of climate change and actions being taken to address it. The program also aims to empower participants to report effectively on the annual climate talks.
2. What are the fellowship tracks?
Climate Tracker will bring journalists from Asia to report in-person at COP28. We’ll cover the full cost of your travel and accommodation, and provide a stipend.
Climate Tracker will also award virtual fellowship opportunities to Asian journalists. We’ll provide you with a stipend and support in getting access to events and interviews necessary for your reporting.
3. Who can participate in the in-person and virtual fellowships?
The program is open to Asian journalists with at least three years of experience and have a proven track record in climate reporting. It is important for applicants, especially freelancers, to have a clear idea of the news outlets they intend to collaborate with for publishing their stories.
If you have written on climate change before, great – but if not, we highly encourage you to take on the challenge and publish a story with a climate dimension to the topics or beats you currently cover. We are keen to review stories at the intersections of human rights, gender, health, travel, sports, lifestyle and more – climate change is impacting everyone and we want you to dive into the most pressing challenges of the time.
Do health policies and political manifestos have a climate angle? Are sports events adding to the adverse health consequences of toxic emissions? What about the workers in fossil fuel transportation and their increased vulnerability to chronic health conditions?
We are looking for stories that shine a unique perspective on the health consequences of climate change in Asia – from interviews with communities and changemakers, reported pieces on the adverse effects of exposure to pollutants, exploring barriers to environmental justice to highlighting investments in sustainable energy alternatives or the lack thereof.
4. How can you apply?
To apply for this extraordinary opportunity, you are required to submit a high quality story on the health impacts of fossil fuels. Here are some story ideas:
- How the over reliance of your government on fossil fuels endangers the health and survival of people
- Clean and sustainable energy alternatives
- How plastic threatens human health
- Health benefits of moving away from fossil fuels
- Role of healthcare professionals on advocating for climate action
If you’re in need of story ideas, we’ve got you covered. We’ll organize a webinar on the ‘Health Impacts of Fossil Fuels’ on July 20, 6pm GMT+8. You can publish a report about this webinar.
5. What kinds of stories do we like?
We want stories that are well-researched, well-sourced (at least three sources), and well-written.
We welcome news reports, news features and investigative pieces tailored for various mediums such as print, online media outlets, television, and even social media. We’re not looking for op-eds and advocacy campaigns.
After your story is published, please complete the application process by filling out this form. In the application, kindly provide details about your background in climate journalism and your plans for COP28. We are eager to learn about your vision for this event. You have until August 4 to submit your application.
6. What are the benefits of joining this opportunity?
- Access to COP28, where you can witness and report on the international climate negotiations and related events
- Training and mentorship opportunities to enhance your reporting skills
- Networking opportunities with experts, journalists, and climate advocates from around the world
- Exposure for your work through Climate Tracker’s media partners and platforms
7. What are the responsibilities of participants?
You will be expected to:
- Cover COP28 and produce articles, videos, or other media content about the conference
- Attend a 6 week, online pre-COP training between October to mid-November (3-4 hours commitment per week)
- Actively participate in the program’s activities and workshops
- Collaborate with mentors and other fellows to develop impactful stories and initiatives
- Adhere to the professional standards and guidelines set by Climate Tracker
- Share your work and experiences through various channels
8. Where can I find more information about Climate Tracker and this opportunity?
For more information about Climate Tracker and the COP28 fellowship programs, click the button below.
