One Planet News: How can information about the nature crisis survive the revolving door of daily news?

Go Wild With Annette

By Annette J Beveridge

As a journalist, I can understand why prominent nature-related issues are not always published  and even if they are, they may get a cursory mention, that’s all.

But then the news cycle moves on.

As someone who cares deeply about nature and as a conservationist, I find it all too frustrating.

But let me give you an insight into the world of news.

Page views

I worked at my local newspaper and often had to fight to get nature articles into print. Many colleagues thought that nature issues were not really news. They questioned whether people wanted to read about an otter being seen in the river or that construction work there would enable salmon to flow freely rather than having the obstacle of weirs?

 I covered a great many news stories but always made sure that nature had a presence - when the story was relevant.

 Sometime after leaving the newspaper, I spoke to some environmentalists who said that the paper had been really supportive of conservation and environmental news and then the penny dropped as they realised it was me.

In this fast-moving, crisis-driven society that we all live in, there is so much going on that the news services can pick and choose what they broadcast. Even local newspapers may have an abundance of police stories or shops opening or closing. These stories get a lot of attention from residents and in the world of news, page views are vital.

 In broadcasting terms, it is mainly the national news stories that get covered and even then, unless there is some sort of shock factor, or some big celebrity news, nature is often overlooked.

When big stories are overlooked

 I attended a march for nature in London which had been organised by Chris Packham and had all of the nature and environmental charities and organisations attending. The turn out was huge and yet it barely got mentioned on the news channels. It was peaceful, it was beautiful, and was wonderful to be so connected to others with the same mindset because sometimes, standing up for nature can be quite a lonely experience.

 So how can we help nature get into the news?

Well, if we are involved locally with environmental news, we can write a press release and send it to local radio stations and newspapers. We can send follow ups too.

If a big news story, we can make national papers etc., aware of it. But we can also seek out freelancers, and podcasters who may be interested.

The fact is, news slots are limited. They are also told what to cover – the nice big juicy stories.  That's why there are now independent newspapers and independent journalists - like myself who go after the stories that many of the big corporations won't cover.

Nature news or climate news is relevant.  A story about the impact of climate change on this country or any country is relevant. Too often it is just not covered and yet, these are things that affect all of us.

Fortunately, there are some national newspapers that cover some elements of nature stories, but the full aspect of nature news should always be promoted and read with interest.

Understanding our place in nature

I have said in a previous article, we are nature. What affects the natural world actually affects us too. Every animal, bird or insect is important. It has a place. With climate change an ever-increasing threat, we have to consider all our options and we should do it sooner than later.

Each country should be doing this and each county or state looking at individual concerns regarding environmental issues or climate change.

Talking about nature is vital as is raising crucial environmental issues. It is why I write about it on here and promote through social media.

I may set up local events in the future to share the joy of nature and to help people understand the risks. I have to be honest and so do you.

Societal issues

 I honestly believe our whole society is wrong in that we value things that are just not as important. Too many people revere money over everything else.

When that's your focus, what do you care if fields are flooded? What do you care about bees lost through pesticide use? Or that sewage or forever chemicals flow in rivers and streams?

There is always a story to tell about nature and climate change….real stories that need to be covered.

Talking the talk

As individuals, nature lovers or just concerned citizens, we must do our best to learn more and to tell the stories.

It is why I am here doing this, because nature is a passion, it's a way of life and it's necessary.

I’m only one small fish in a medium-sized pond but I honestly believe that we can spread the good news, the nature wins and yes, discuss the sad news too. We can also look at solutions.

If the major news outlets are not going to show the real story about how nature is being affected, then it is a story we must tell.