Climate Change Media Partnership COP29 Reporting Fellowship

Now in its 17th iteration since its launch in 2007, the CCMP has brought more than 500 journalists from low- and middle-income countries to attend and report on the annual UN climate talks. This has enabled journalists from around the world to cover the climate negotiations for their home audiences, while benefiting from working alongside knowledgeable media trainers and gaining a multifaceted understanding of the actions countries are taking — or not taking — to address climate change’s global impact.

This year, the CCMP Reporting Fellowship aims to bring up to 20 journalists from low- and middle income countries to report in-person at COP29. In light of the climate summit being hosted by Azerbaijan this year, they also encourage journalists from countries of varying incomes in neighboring regions (the Balkans, the Baltics, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia) to apply.

Fellowship Logistics

• CCMP Fellows will travel to Baku to attend the entire duration of the UN climate negotiations, with arrival planned for November 9, 2024 and departure on November 24, 2024.
• The CCMP will cover non-refundable economy-class airfare, accommodation, meals, travel medical insurance and ground transportation costs related to Fellowship participation. Organizers will also facilitate the press accreditation process and provide logistical support relating to the trip. Please note that the process of obtaining any necessary visas is the Fellow’s individual responsibility, though the CCMP will reimburse visa costs.
• Prior to the start of COP29, Fellows will receive informational resources and technical support to help prepare for reporting at the conference, including a pre-COP virtual workshop to meet the team, discuss reporting opportunities, and ask any questions. Once in Baku, Fellows will participate in a series of specially designed activities over the two-week period on the ground, including an orientation session with seasoned climate journalists and experts on the key issues at this COP, daily briefings, networking events and interviews with high-level officials. They will also be guided by EJN trainers, who are senior journalists with experience covering UN climate summits.

Eligibility Criteria

• To be eligible for the Fellowship, the applicant must:
  • Be a professional journalist from or representing an established media house and reporting from the eligible countries.
  • Be available and willing to travel to Baku to attend COP29 in person, arriving on November 9 and departing no earlier than November 24, 2024.
  • Have a good command of the English language.
  • Have previous experience reporting on climate change issues and clearly indicate the kinds of stories you might pursue about the conference.
  • Commit to participate in all Fellowship activities.
  • Share an up-to-date resume/CV.
  • Provide a letter of support from an editor, producer, or supervisor who can confirm that your news reports will be published or broadcast in an established media outlet. Freelancers are welcome to apply but must provide a letter of support from a media outlet for which they intend to report.
  • Provide recent, relevant and journalistic work samples on climate change topics, which can be uploaded as documents or web links. Stories can be in any language as long as they are accompanied by a short English synopsis. Clips must focus on climate change topics and should have been published in the last 12 months.

Judging Criteria 

• They are looking for applicants who meet the following criteria:
  • Demonstrated experience covering climate change, climate policy and other environmental topics;
  • A clear and well-researched reporting plan for the COP, including potential story ideas, an estimated number of stories they’ll produce during the Fellowship and demonstrated intention to continue developing their plan as the COP draws closer;
  • A relationship with an established media house and a signed letter of support from an editor agreeing to publish or broadcast work produced at the COP.

For more information, visit EJN.