Since 2021, the MIT Environmental Solutions Journalism Fellowship has supported local and regional journalists in reporting high-impact news stories that connect climate change with local priorities. The MIT Climate Project has published a report highlighting how the fellowship's scientific resources can deepen conversations about climate solutions nationwide. "Our goal is to offer trusted, grounded knowledge about climate change to everyone who wants to learn, so communities can make informed decisions," says Aaron Krol, leader of the Climate Change Engagement Program.
Since its inception, 20 journalists have completed the program, publishing 104 stories with a collective audience of nearly 3 million readers and listeners. One aim of the fellowship is to ensure that ambitious climate reporting is not limited to large national outlets. Americans consistently trust local newsrooms more than national ones, making these sources powerful media for introducing new ideas on climate change and solutions.
MIT fellows have covered topics like offshore wind potential in Louisiana, flood preparedness in West Virginia, and energy transitions in Utah’s coal country. "Local journalists want to engage on climate issues," Krol notes. "Every year, we’re amazed by the quality of the applications we receive. There are many reporters who know this is important and just need that extra support."
The 20 outlets participating in the fellowship showcase a variety of local news media in the U.S., from long-standing institutions to recent startups. MIT provides fellows with editorial, scientific, design, and financial support, including a crash course in climate science and access to a science editor for specialized reporting assistance.
"The stories themselves are important, but I’m proudest of the difference our program has made for the careers of the journalists who have come through it," Krol states. Read the 2026 Impact Report to learn more about the MIT Environmental Solutions Journalism Fellows and their impacts across communities. All 100-plus stories published through the fellowship can be found on the MIT Climate Portal.
Blogger's Review: MIT's initiative emphasizes the significance of local journalism in climate reporting. By providing scientific support and professional training, it not only enhances journalists' capabilities but also equips communities with actionable climate solutions. This model is worth replicating in other regions to improve public understanding and response to climate issues.