Biodiversity

Things related to the web of life; ecology; wildlife; endangered species

Border Wall a Way into Environmental Stories

The fierce contest over the Trump border wall has critical environmental implications, both local and regional, per the latest TipSheet. A key suit against the Trump emergency declaration was filed by environmental groups and plans for a border barrier may harm significant wildlife habitat, as well as numerous migrating species, including some that are endangered. Get the back story and why it matters, along with story ideas and reporting resources.

SEJ Publication Types:

TipSheet

Topics on the Beat:

Activism

Biodiversity

Environmental Politics

Region:

Southwest (AZ NM OK TX)

International

Mexico

Visibility:

Public

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"Australian Rat Declared Extinct Due To Man-Made Climate Change"

"The Australian government has confirmed the extinction of a small rodent native to a tiny spit of sand in the northernmost part of the Great Barrier Reef ― the first known mammal lost to human-caused climate change."

Source: HuffPost, 02/21/2019

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"Border Barrier No One Wants Grows Without Money to Slow Spread"

"Carrizo cane is the border wall no one wants. A pernicious plant on the banks of the Rio Grande along the U.S.-Mexico border, carrizo cane (Arundo donax) grows as much as 30 feet tall and so thick that people entering the country illegally can easily hide in it. Border patrol officers can’t see into it. Infrared signals can’t penetrate it."

Source: Bloomberg Environment, 02/21/2019

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"Is the Insect Apocalypse Really Upon Us?"

"Claims that insects will disappear within a century are absurd, but the reality isn’t reassuring either."

Source: Atlantic, 02/20/2019

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"Environmentalists Join In Suing Trump Over Emergency Wall Declaration"

"Three environmental groups were among the organizations to sue the Trump administration almost immediately after the border wall declaration on Friday."

Activism

Biodiversity

Environmental Studies

Source: Washington Post, 02/20/2019

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February 20, 2019

Webinar: Managing the Promise and Risk of Infrastructure Development

This free webinar, starting at 9:00 a.m. EST, is planned around the launch of the Arcus Foundation’s report, State of the Apes: Infrastructure Development and Ape Conservation. World Bank and conservationist experts will discuss prevention and mitigation of infrastructure-related harm to local communities, biodiversity and critical habitats. Can't make it? A replay of the video will be available after the event.

Visibility:

Topics on the Beat:

March 12, 2023

DEADLINE: Ida B. Wells Fellowship

This one-year fellowship, honoring the pioneering African-American activist and investigative reporter, promotes diversity in journalism by helping to create a pipeline of investigative reporters of color who bring diverse backgrounds, experiences, and interests to their work. Fellows receive $25,000, travel and other costs, editorial guidance from a dedicated editor at Type Investigations and more. Deadline is Mar 12, 2023.

Workshops and Fellowships

Visibility:

Public

Topics on the Beat:

Biodiversity

June 10, 2024

DEADLINE: Biophilia Award for Environmental Communication

The BBVA Foundation of Spain's award recognizes the work of professionals in any country that have contributed exceptionally to improving public understanding and awareness of ecological issues, especially in the areas of biodiversity conservation and climate change. Cash prize of 100,000 euros. Deadline is Jun 10, 2024.

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Topics on the Beat:

Under Trump, Squalls over Science Will Continue in 2019

The Trump administration’s “war on science” is playing out not just at the EPA, with its controversial proposed “secret science” rule, but at federal agencies throughout the government. This special TipSheet lays out the conflict, and offers guidance on how to turn the overarching issue into a story with character and a regional or local sense of place. Plus, see more in our ongoing 2019 Journalists’ Guide to Energy & Environment.

SEJ Publication Types:

Topics on the Beat:

Environmental Politics

Environmental Studies

Region:

Visibility:

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"Wetlands, Lakes Would Lose Protections Under Michigan Bill"

"Michigan legislators were poised Tuesday to remove legal protections from many of the state’s wetlands and other inland waterways, which provide wildlife habitat and perform vital tasks such as preventing floods."

Agriculture

Biodiversity

Environmental Politics

Great Lakes (IL IN MI MN OH WI)

Source: AP, 12/19/2018