My Journey to Becoming a Multi-Award-Winning Climate and Environment Journalist
By Fairness Moyana
Before I received formal training on climate change reporting, I was a passionate but under-equipped journalist trying to make sense of environmental issues that were both complex and urgent. My understanding of climate change though broad, was shallow and I often approached stories from a general perspective, missing the nuance and scientific grounding required to effectively communicate the climate crisis.
My early attempts at reporting on climate and environmental matters were often scattered and lacked coherence. I knew something was happening to our forests, our weather patterns, and our communities, but I couldn’t quite translate these observations into compelling, factual narratives.
This changed profoundly when I attended a series of intensive climate and environmental reporting trainings conducted by the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA). It was at these trainings that I was exposed to the fundamental tenets of climate journalism. I learned to approach stories with a data-driven mindset, grounding them in science, policy, and lived community experiences. I was introduced to key concepts like climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience, and how they intersect with governance, socio-economic justice, and biodiversity.
The ZELA training helped me sharpen my focus and specialize in climate and environment reporting. I moved beyond surface-level coverage to deeply researched, community-focused storytelling. I began to investigate illegal mining, deforestation, and waste management with new eyes, tracing the ripple effects of these issues on climate systems and local livelihoods. I also learned the value of framing stories around people, not just problems. By highlighting the voices of those most affected by climate impacts, particularly women, children, and rural communities, I added authenticity and urgency to my reporting.
A turning point in my journey was mastering the art of compelling narrative. I discovered that facts alone were not enough. Through continuous learning from organisations such as ZELA, I embraced the power of storytelling using character-driven reporting, strong visuals, and solutions-oriented framing to engage and educate. I learned to construct stories that were not only informative, but also emotionally resonant and actionable.
The highlight of this transformation was in 2024, when I received multiple journalism awards for my reporting on the environment and climate change, demonstrating the improved and specialized reporting capabilities I had developed during the series of training sessions. Thus, my series on coal waste-to-brick innovations in Hwange and the hidden toll of illegal charcoal production stood out for their investigative depth, narrative quality, and positive framing. These stories not only revealed environmental crises but also explored grassroots solutions, giving communities a platform and sparking national conversations.
Going forward, I see my role as more than just a reporter, I am a communicator, educator, and advocate for climate justice. With the knowledge and skills, I have acquired, I aim to produce journalism that empowers communities and influences policy. I believe in the power of solution-based climate journalism to raise awareness, drive accountability, and inspire change. My commitment is to continue telling stories that matter, stories that bridge the gap between science and society, and stories that place Zimbabwe and Africa, at the forefront of global climate action.
Some articles by Fairness:
https://thecitizenbulletin.org/series-story/climate-change-puts-people-with-albinism-at-grave-risk/
