Journalism & Media

Data Centers — A Local Drain on Power and Water, Coming to a Community Near You

Thousands of energy-hungry, water-gulping data centers are helping fuel the artificial intelligence boom in the United States (and elsewhere). The latest TipSheet takes a closer look at this escalating phenomenon and encourages environmental journalists to look into how it may be playing out in their communities. Ten story ideas and reporting resources to cover data centers’ local impact.

SEJ Publication Types: 
Visibility: 

Why Tucker Carlson Is Talking About The "Chemtrail" Conspiracy Theory

"Everyone has looked up at the clouds and seen faces, animals, objects. Human brains are hardwired for this kind of whimsy. But some people – perhaps a surprising number – look to the sky and see government plots and wicked deeds written there. Conspiracy theorists say that contrails – long streaks of condensation left by aircraft – are actually chemtrails, clouds of chemical or biological agents dumped on the unsuspecting public for nefarious purposes. Different motives are ascribed, from weather control to mass poisoning."

Source: The Conversation, 11/17/2025
December 1, 2025

DEADLINE: Freedomways Reporting Fellowship

Press On's fellowship program runs Mar-Oct 2026. Six reporters and storytellers from the U.S. South will receive support from experienced mentors and participate in a virtual program rooted in the principles of movement journalism. $8,000 stipend. Deadline: Dec 1, 2025.

Visibility: 
Topics on the Beat: 

"Five Ways Joe Rogan Misleads Listeners About Climate Change"

"Joe Rogan has one of the most popular podcasts on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and a combined 50 million followers on YouTube, Spotify, and Instagram. And like nearly all of today’s most popular online shows, Rogan’s spreads climate misinformation."

Source: Yale Climate Connections, 11/13/2025

"Protesters Force Their Way Into COP30 Summit Venue, Clash With Security"

"BELEM, Brazil - Dozens of Indigenous protesters forced their way into the COP30 climate summit venue on Tuesday and clashed with security guards at the entrance to demand climate action and forest protection.
Shouting angrily, protesters demanded access to the U.N. compound where thousands of delegates from countries around the world are attending this year's U.N. climate summit in the Amazon city of Belem, Brazil.

Some waved flags with slogans calling for land rights or carried signs saying, "Our land is not for sale."

Source: Reuters, 11/12/2025
November 27, 2025

Mongabay Webinar: How To Cover Climate Change in South Asia

Join this special webinar hosted by Mongabay’s Global bureau, in collaboration with Mongabay India, to learn more about reporting on climate change in South Asia straight from the experts that cover Sri Lanka, Nepal and India. 4:30 am UTC / 11:30 p.m. ET.

Visibility: 
December 5, 2025

DEADLINE: Red Natural History Fellowship

The Natural History Museum in Vashon, Wash. supports scientists, scholars, writers and others in this two-year program dedicated to co-creating a ‘natural history for a world in crisis.’ Fellows receive a $2000 stipend, production and communications support, and more. Deadline: Dec 5, 2025.

Visibility: 
Topics on the Beat: 
December 20, 2025

DEADLINE: Tyler Prize Media Fellowship

Selected journalists receive a trip to Amsterdam, accommodation and access to the world’s leading environmental thinkers during the Tyler Prize events taking place in April 2026. Open to professional journalists worldwide who cover environment, science or policy. Deadline: Dec 20, 2025.

Visibility: 
Topics on the Beat: 

Pages

Subscribe to RSS - Journalism & Media