Environmental Journalism

Detailing the painstaking work of investigative journalists and offering case studies as examples, the “Investigative Journalism That Inspired Change” series is both educational and eye-opening. Each of the four titles has some overlapping information: a definition of investigative journalism and the differences between investigative journalism and conventional journalism; the qualities of an investigative journalist; the 5 Ws of news reporting and the process involved in following a story; sources of information and the need to protect sources; the investigative journalist’s code of ethics; the use of scientific evidence and data analysis involved in an investigation; determining the best medium to share findings; and the importance of investigative journalism to report abuse of power, unsolved crimes and general wrongdoing. Some of the work of investigative journalists can have a global impact and drive changes in policy. Three case studies are provided in each title, and what is most impressive about them is the tenacity and perseverance of the journalists whose thorough investigations have often taken years. Many of the investigative journalists featured have won awards for their work which has been presented in books, documentaries and newspaper and magazine articles, to name a few. Text boxes provide quotes as well as additional information while colour photographs, charts and graphs reinforce the text. A table of contents, a glossary, an index, and a list of books and websites for further study are included.

The goal of environmental journalism is to educate the public and make people aware of issues which can have major consequences. The first of the case studies highlighted in Environmental Journalism deals with the disposal of e-waste in developing countries. This study not only uncovered the problem of using child labour and the dangerous conditions under which the children were working, but it also shed light on criminal activity and the pollution caused by the burning of toxic materials. This story, which won an Emmy award in 2010, led to the U.S. government’s tightening of rules relating to the export of e-waste. Other case studies in this title include the 2015 investigation into some wealthy California homeowners who, despite water restrictions during a drought, were watering their lawns at a rate that was eight times greater than that of the average household. With the help of aerial photographs and real estate maps, researchers were able to identify the biggest offenders. As a result of the investigation, the City of Los Angeles changed the ways in which it charges for water consumption and has developed laws against excessive water use during a drought. The final case study investigates DuPont, an American science and engineering company, which, for years, used a toxic chemical called C8 in the manufacture of its products, specifically Teflon, at its West Virginia plant. Researchers proved that the toxic water, dead cattle, and illness among many of the citizens living in the area were directly related to C8 and also found that DuPont had concealed evidence that C8 was poisonous.

The stories in the “Investigative Journalism That Inspired Change” series are powerful, thought-provoking and illuminating, emphasizing the important role that investigative journalists play in bringing important issues to light.