News Publishers Continue Environmental Initiatives
National, regional and local newspapers are continuing a range of initiatives to support climate change and environmental causes.
The Daily Mail have again launched their ‘Great British Spring Clean’ campaign, running from 28 May to 13 June 2021. The campaign aims to “collectively achieve a million miles of litter-picking” helping to keep outdoor spaces “cleaner and greener”.
Geordie Greig, editor of the Daily Mail, said: “We passionately believe in this clean-up and the volunteer force that get behind us is like a hurricane. Each year we do it, more people seem to join. And each year we do it, the country gets tidier and neater.
“We’ve had an incredible year – even with COVID-19 – with campaigns and our Mail Force charity. Last year, we raised money and goods – both computers and PPE – worth more than £25million, the biggest amount any newspaper has ever raised. And we want to bring the force of our incredible readers to this campaign.”
Newsquest launched their climate change campaign Time For Change across their news brands. Coverage will include global news on how climate change is affecting communities as well as the latest science.
Emma Stowell-Corten, magazines manager at Newsquest, said: “Our titles are uniquely placed to share news from across the world, along with local issues and stories that impact on the challenge ahead, and as local trusted newspapers we know it’s our societal and moral duty to give readers the facts.”
On Earth Day this year, The Times launched a new digital channel to champion sustainable living. Times Earth is a new digital hub where you can find news surrounding “our planet, climate change, sustainability problems, initiatives and solutions.” Content will span across print, audio, newsletters and social platforms, with a new events series ‘Climate Sessions’ and a summit later this year.
John Witherow, editor of the Times, said: “”Times readers are concerned and interested in climate change and our new Times Earth digital channel will showcase our climate and environment coverage.
“The Times and The Sunday Times, with unrivalled reputations for in-depth reporting and analysis, are keen to help highlight and inform our readers on one of the great challenges facing the planet.”
The Times also announced they will complete their pledge of removing all use of 250 tonnes of single-use plastic, with the last 15 tonnes of magazine polybagging from the Sunday Times in Ireland.
The Telegraph continue to run a range of coverage covering environmental and sustainability topics, from sustainable fashion to the Atlantic Ocean conveyor belt. A Telegraph spokesperson said: “Our comprehensive coverage of environmental issues and sustainability span a broad range of topics that interest our subscribers, from news and business, to travel, technology and lifestyle.
“The Telegraph’s Global Health Security channel also covers the impact of environmental issues on global health and security. The Telegraph has a dedicated environment editor and online environment hub including a live global temperature data tracker.”
In April, Reach’s In Your Area launched their new national litter fines widget as part of their #DontTrashOurFuture campaign. The widget will identify the success and failures of councils issuing litter fines across the UK.
In Your Area also joined forces with Clean Up Britain and The Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust to unveil a piece of biodegradable land art to raise awareness of the harmful impact littering has upon local wildlife.
The West Highland Free Press also committed last year to a Skye Climate Action column, where they publish monthly information on climate action, calling upon readers to end their reliance on plastic materials and encouraging awareness of climate change in Skye.
Tortoise Media ran a ThinkIn summit last month bringing together leading thinkers and commentators to discuss various topics such as green power, green infrastructure, and decarbonising commerce.
Tortoise also run a Responsibility100 Index, where they track “the gap between the words and actions of some of the world’s biggest and most carbon-intensive companies.” The Index aims to hold companies to account on their environmental and ethical commitments.
The Guardian continue to run an environmental tracker, keeping progress of our planet’s environmental changes from carbon dioxide levels to Arctic sea ice.
The Guardian have previously committed to continue their record of powerful environmental reporting and in 2019 became the first major news organisation to become a B Corporation, pledging to reach net zero emissions by 2030.