Introduction to Solutions Journalism

Credit: Georgina Smith / CIAT. Climate-smart soil protection and rehabilitation in Benin, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, India, and Kenya.

Climate change isn’t all doom and gloom. It’s also pushing us to find new ways to make energy, protect nature, animals, and humans (one health) and to work together. People around the world are teaming up to tackle problems and make communities stronger. While climate change is a massive challenge, it’s also inspiring us to make positive changes for the future.

And journalists have a vital role to play.

Solutions

Solutions journalism is a powerful lens through which we can view and report on the intricate intersection of climate change and its impacts on public health. So far, most climate coverage has focused on the problems but that is only part of the story. People need to and want to know that the climate- health crisis is solvable.

According to this opinion piece in the NiemanReports, people only need to know 5 things about climate change:

1. It’s real. (climate change is happening)
2. It’s us. (humans have caused it)
3. Experts agree. (Scientists)
4. It’s bad.  (greenhouse gas levels)
5. There’s hope.   (we can do something about it)

Apart from the traditional 5Ws and 1 H of journalism (who, what, when, why, where, and how) the above five points are useful to “keep” in your top pocket when you go about gathering your information and structuring your story.

Solutions journalism is evidenced-based reporting about challenges facing society. Apart from highlighting community-based initiatives it is to investigate and hold governments, businesses, scientists, activists, and others to account for the solutions they propose.

When talking about climate change solutions we need to think about adaptation and resilience. Below is a reminder of what these terms mean.

In the realm of climate change and health, a solutions approach means spotlighting scientific studies, initiatives, policies, and innovations designed to mitigate risks and enhance resilience. These stories might feature communities implementing sustainable practices to combat vector-borne diseases in warmer climates, or advancements in healthcare infrastructure to cope with extreme weather events. By highlighting successful action, solutions journalism empowers audiences. It also gets everyone talking—politicians, doctors, scientists, and community.

This BBC report brings together the elements of a good story. It is based on a study showing that extreme heat at work can double childbirth risk. It focuses on a vulnerable group – pregnant women – in a low-income country.  It lays out the problem via the study and the voices of women and gives information on what the women can do. There are several sources and a focus on finding solutions. A public health official is on record offering solutions. This means a follow up can be done holding officials accountable for the solutions they propose.