The Guardian walks the talk to reach net-zero emissions by 2030
The Guardian is going the extra (green) mile in its efforts to tackle climate change.
Following its pledge in service of the planet a year ago, “We believe it’s time to act”, the British newspaper has documented its actual progress in a review of its actions taken over the past 12 months. A gesture all the more noticed amid the “deadly links between Covid-19, environmental degradation, air pollution and human health”.
“We declared that the escalating climate crisis was the defining issue of our lifetime, and that quality, trustworthy reporting on the environment was an important tool to confront it… So much for promises. Here, we document the progress we have made.”
Why is it important? The Guardian has a longstanding record of quality, trustworthy and independent reporting on environmental issues. It publishes almost 3,000 articles over the year on the escalating climate crisis, which it considers to be “the defining issue of our lifetime”. Giving the climate emergency the attention it demands, the paper has been leading by example by practicing what it preaches and striving to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. This feat did not go unnoticed at Geneva Solutions, where we hold solutions-focused news to heart.
Six concrete measures. The Guardian listed a series of actions they have started to implement or committed to develop:
Continue their coverage of “powerful environment reporting”. they recently produced reportage without sensationalism an rooted in scientific facts from major frontlines in the climate crisis (the Arctic and Antarctic, the Amazon, the Sahara, Australia and the American west) and covered the movements trying to bring about change such as Extinction Rebellion and the school climate strikes.
Report on the human consequences of the climate emergency affecting real people’s lives and focus on environmental justice (unequal access to the world’s natural resources).
Publish a dynamic dashboard of updated indicators that measure the health of the planet, such as temperature, sea levels and atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Achieve net-zero emissions by 2030 undertaking a comprehensive audit of their own operations and full supply chain.
Stop accepting advertising from fossil-fuel extractive companies (more than 95% of their investment exposure to fossil fuels already eliminated).
Continue to be transparent: already B Corp certified, they want to continue to work on their ambition for a greater global environmental and societal impact.
From words to acts. The Guardian works hard to make the pledge reality and turn promises into carbon footprint reduction and a mainstream media into a sustainable business. Reporter Julie Richard said:
“These measures are intended to demonstrate that we must back up words with action.”