Solutions journalism can spur climate action, UO study finds

News stories that highlight potential solutions alongside the harsh realities of climate change can spur people to action — as long as the stories empower readers to see their own role in the solution, a new study by University of Oregon researchers has found.

Solutions journalism is an approach to reporting that not only explains a problem but also emphasizes ways to solve it, while still adhering to core journalism values. For example, a solutions story on the harm from climate change might also highlight a new kind of electric vehicle or the work of a climate activism group as possible ways to mitigate some of the damage.