Magmatic School of Environmental Journalism

Nine early-career journalists based in Southern Europe have been selected to participate in this hands-on five-month program (77 applications were received from 12 countries). 

The program is structured in the way to enhance their skills in environmental reporting and narrative creation while expanding their portfolios.

The participants will get training by writers that have greater experience with international publications such as National Geographic, Undark, The Guardian, and many other outlets with an established tradition of narrative writing on the environment. Introductory webinar took place already, and the mentoring sessions are starting.

The participants will be introduced to the fundamentals of environmental and narrative journalism and gain insights into the major challenges the Mediterranean is facing due to climate change. They will also get training in science journalism, turning sources into compelling characters, collaborative journalism and will learn about Magma's journalistic approach.

Nine journalists have been divided in three groups. The first one, mentored by Marta Vidal, will focus on mining and the energy transition. The second one, mentored by Jonathan Moens, will cover the topic of communities affected by pollution, new laws or climate change. The third one, mentored by Ottavia Spagiari, will focus on the intersections of overtourism, climate change and cultural heritage. 

By the end of the course, the participants will have:

• received mentoring and feedback from experienced independent journalists and support in seeking partnerships with other media;
• obtained a small travel grant for their reporting;
• published their story in Magma Magazine;
• become part of Magma's network.

Photo by Davide Mancini