From warmer temperatures and rising sea levels, to increased hurricane intensity and unpredictable, extreme weather events – the countries of the Caribbean region are amongst the world’s most vulnerable to the worst impacts of climate change. For these countries, building resilience is not an option, but an urgent priority.
The energy transition – reducing reliance on environmentally harmful, price-volatile, fossil fuels to power the region, and increasing renewable energy resources – is an essential part of securing a sustainable, resilient future for these nations, however change, so far, has been slow in pace and small in scale.
Caribbean journalists have an important role to play in tracking energy transition developments across the region, keeping the public informed, and holding decision-makers to account, however there are still critical gaps in media coverage and public awareness, despite the urgency of the Caribbean’s need to embrace an energy transition.
That’s why we’re excited to launch this initiative and invest in Caribbean journalists by providing 30 journalists from Jamaica, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago with the opportunity to participate in our innovative and hands-on Energy Transition Journalism Fellowship, featuring regional and global experts in energy transition and award-winning Caribbean journalists.
The đź’« Opportunity đź’«
Stage 1: The Workshop
Our online workshops will engage journalists in expanding their knowledge of the Caribbean’s energy needs and resources, and the scientific, political, economic, human and social dimensions of the adaptation and resilience measures that will need to be taken as part of the region’s energy transition. They will also sharpen journalists’ skills in information gathering, reporting and explaining – to support them in communicating these complex issues with various audiences.
Our 30 workshop participants will benefit from 5 weeks of intensive, engaging, and highly interactive sessions and will receive certification as proof of all that they’ve learned.
Stage 2: The Publishing Grant
9 fellows will move on to this stage! They’ll work together with our experienced Caribbean team members to get their stories published both locally and on the Climate Tracker website. We will be with you each step of the way!
🙋🏽This opportunity is for you if you’re…
- A Caribbean journalist interested in covering climate change and connected issues
- A Caribbean journalist with some experience in covering environmental issues but needs some guidance and training in reporting on the energy transition
- A Caribbean media/journalism student with some publications under your belt, interested in gaining knowledge and certification in energy transition reporting
- Able to commit 4 hours weekly over a 4 week period (with 1 additional week for orientation)
- Between 18-35 years of age
- From Jamaica, Guyana, or Trinidad and Tobago
⬇️Great, you’re interested! Here’s how to apply
Simply submit this form, telling us how this workshop could potentially benefit you and your career!
⌛ Deadline to apply is 4th July, 2022
We’re really excited about this fellowship!
If you’ve got any questions, please feel free to reach out to our Caribbean Programmes Officer – Kristeena Monteith (kristeena@climatetracker.org) and our Caribbean Regional Director – Dizzanne Billy (dizzanne@climatetracker.org). They’ll be happy to hear from you and provide guidance wherever necessary.
And while you’re at it, be sure to join our Caribbean Climate Trackers Facebook group.
All the best!
Get to know Climate Tracker
Climate Tracker (CT) is a non-profit organization that aims to support, train and encourage more and better climate journalism around the world.
We believe in the power of journalism, but we know that many young journalists don’t have the training, resources, or support to tell the stories they want to tell. We know that this challenge is even greater in those countries most affected by the climate crisis.