A comprehensive look at The Guardian’s ongoing efforts to report on and address the climate and nature emergencies
Four years ago, The Guardian made a bold decision to prioritize reporting on the climate and nature emergencies. Recognizing the urgency of these crises, the publication pledged to report relentlessly on the causes, consequences, and solutions of climate breakdown, while also holding governments and businesses accountable for their actions. Now, The Guardian provides an update on the progress made on six vital promises, including a stronger commitment to the natural world.
Powerful Environmental Reporting
The Guardian’s longstanding record of powerful environmental reporting has become renowned worldwide for its quality and independence. With more than a dozen dedicated climate, biodiversity, and climate justice reporters based across the globe, The Guardian covers every angle of these urgent issues. Collaborating with other media organizations, the publication ensures that its journalism reaches the widest possible audience, free from commercial or political influence.
Climate Breakdown’s Impact on People and Species
The Guardian recognizes that marginalized communities, often the least responsible for climate and nature crises, bear the brunt of their consequences. Through interviews with those most affected, the publication sheds light on the toll on both human lives and the natural world. By attributing extreme weather events to human-caused global heating, The Guardian emphasizes the urgent need to reduce emissions and protect the planet, while also advocating for policies and solutions that create a fairer and more equal world.
Language and Terminology
In 2019, The Guardian introduced new language guidelines to accurately describe the environmental crises. Building on this, the publication now uses the term “nature crisis” instead of “biodiversity crisis,” aiming for greater accessibility and relatability. The Guardian continues to highlight the connections between climate and nature crises, incorporating the latest science into its reporting. It holds countries and businesses accountable for their role in the destruction of the natural world, just as it does for climate-related issues.
Reducing Environmental Impact
The Guardian is committed to reducing its environmental impact beyond greenhouse gas emissions. To understand its impact on nature, the publication conducted a study and published its findings and action plan. Strengthening procurement processes to assess suppliers’ environmental impact and providing guidance to staff on sustainable purchasing are the first steps. The Guardian also measures progress against its target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by two-thirds by 2030, a goal validated by the Science Based Targets initiative.
Divesting from Fossil Fuels
Taking a strong stance against fossil fuels, The Guardian refused advertising from all fossil-fuel extractive companies since January 2020. The publication has nearly eliminated its exposure to fossil fuels in its public portfolio since pledging to divest the Scott Trust endowment in 2015. The endowment is actively working to understand the impact of its investments on the climate and nature emergencies and participating in global initiatives to drive corporate action.
Transparency and Accountability
The Guardian remains committed to transparency, publishing its latest sustainability and positive impact report. The report details greenhouse gas emissions and the steps taken to reduce them. Over the first two years of its 10-year plan, emissions fell by 30%. The publication also plans to incorporate biodiversity into its emissions reduction plan, recognizing the interconnectedness of carbon emissions and nature loss. 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:
Over the past four years, The Guardian has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to reporting on and addressing the climate and nature emergencies. Through powerful journalism, the publication has influenced minds and policies, shining a light on the urgent need for action. By reducing its own environmental impact, divesting from fossil fuels, and prioritizing transparency, The Guardian leads by example. As the world grapples with these crises, The Guardian’s continued dedication to this vital cause remains essential in driving change and inspiring others to follow suit.
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