Mentorship and Story Grant Program

In a nutshell, just transition is a way of achieving a sustainable world without leaving anyone behind. It has gained particular attention in the context of climate change. As economic sectors are pushed to greener business practices, poorly thought-through climate action, as well as climate inaction, often intensifies labourer vulnerabilities, exposing workers to insecure and unprotected work. Within this environment, just transition works to secure the future and the livelihoods of workers and local communities in the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Journalists have a vital role to play in unpacking this complex aspect of climate change. Through effective and engaging reporting, journalists can shed a critical light on the transition to a greener and more sustainable future, raising the awareness of the public and keeping stakeholders informed and accountable.

The story grant and mentorship programme will start with an online information session outlining what just transition is, the media climate surrounding just transition, and an overview of how journalists can report on this issue. Attending journalists will be welcomed to submit their story ideas through online submission.

Aims

• The project aims to:
  • Explore and document the impacts of transitions to low-carbon economies on labour, livelihoods and rights, amplifying voices of local community members.
  • Spark discussions among different stakeholders on climate action and “just transitions” and disseminate discussion findings to support responsible and well-thought-through low-carbon transitions.

Funding information

• Those who make the shortlist will have an opportunity to pitch their story ideas to the lead trainers for a chance to receive a £300 story grant along with up to 8 hours of one-on-one mentoring with the Foundation’s expert journalism trainers.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be based in, or conduct reporting on India, Bangladesh, or Brazil.
• Applicants must be full-time journalists or regular contributors to media organisations.
• Applicants must be fluent in English. The information course will be run in English.
• Applicants must have at least 2 years of experience writing stories surrounding climate change and climate change decisions and its impacts on workers and communities.
• Applicants must have access to a minimum internet speed of 8Mb/second. Financial support to purchase internet data can be made available for the period of the training.
• Applicants need access to a computer to participate in the training; participation from a mobile or smartphone will not be possible.

For more information, visit Thomson Reuters Foundation.