Environmental journalists face challenges in retaliatory Trump era

Environmental journalists are struggling to get sources to speak on the record and to publish their stories in mainstream publications as the second Trump administration, known for retaliation and harassment of perceived opponents, gets underway.

Those challenges were front and center during a panel discussion at the Society of Environmental Journalists conference in Tempe on April 25.

“I find myself walled off from access and climate conversations as a journalist,” said Joan Meiners, a climate journalist for The Arizona Republic and former scientific researcher.

She said she has seen people afraid to step up and speak out for the environment in recent years. 

“Many outlets that would normally partner with us on stories are now very hesitant to run them,” Meiners said.

While journalists are encountering these challenges across a range of topics, a growing concern is whether environmental journalism can continue successfully as access to agencies, scientists, data and climate advocates continues to shrink.

While planning this year’s tours for the Society of Environmental Journalists conference, organizers found that a long list of politicians declined to participate, even those who publicly support climate and environmental health.

That reluctance foreshadowed a broader trend, as several environment-focused organizations, including the National Ecological Observatory Network, also pulled out of the event as the conference approached.

“People who would normally jump at the chance to speak to a group of journalists about their efforts on behalf of the environment backed away from having the spotlight on their work,” Meiners said.

Helina Selemon, science reporter and investigative researcher, advocated for journalists in the audience to talk to sources if they are hesitant to go on record and explain why their input is so important, as well as treating their sources like people and offering support. 

Arizona’s environment: 3 things to know about mineral mining in the US in 2025

“We are all doing this work because we like a challenge,” Selemon said. “If I like a story, I would never let it go. Keep your stories safe somewhere and let them haunt you until you can get your story heard.”

Amy Westervelt, executive director of the journalism organization Drilled, urged journalists to support one another. Drilled focuses on reporting about “climate accountability,” which it defines as “investigating and understanding the various drivers of delay on climate action.”

“There is huge strength in numbers and solidarity in this industry, especially in this country,” she said.

When facing challenges getting sources on the record, she recommended having many background conversations first and working collaboratively to develop strategies for sharing environmental concerns.

Westervelt advocated for getting creative if a journalist were having trouble finding a source who would go on the record, such as “finding another researcher who works outside of the United States, such as Canada or Australia.”

Sedona Hartley is a senior at the University of Arizona and is part of a student newsroom led by The Arizona Republic.

Coverage of the Society of Environmental Journalists conference is supported by Arizona State University’s Cronkite School of Journalism, the University of Arizona, the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust and the Arizona Media Association.

These stories are published open-source for other news outlets and organizations to share and republish, with credit and links to azcentral.com.