Climate Finance Workshop for Journalists (Colombia)

On this occasion, participants will be able to acquire new knowledge and/or improve their skills on topics such as debt for climate action; carbon credits; international funds; the relationship between financing and biodiversity, and nature-based solutions. In addition, after the workshop, they will be eligible for one of the 6 scholarships for journalistic production. The workshop will be held in Bogotá, but they will have 10 places available for remote participants.

Workshop Phases

• Phase 1
  • They will select 30 journalists (20 in person and 10 online) who will participate in an intensive two-day workshop. They will be accompanied by local experts, who will share key advice on how to approach these topics.
  • These are the details of the workshop
    • Location : Bogotá, Colombia (the exact address will be shared with those selected) and virtually (the link will be sent to those selected).
    • Date : August 13 and 14.
    • Hours : 9 am to 6 pm (approximately).
  • In the case of the in-person modality, participation in the workshop includes lunch and refreshments provided by Climate Tracker and Heinrich Böll Bogotá. If you are selected, they will write to you to inquire about your dietary preferences.
  • At the end of the workshop, the 30 participating journalists (both virtual and in-person) will be challenged to submit a proposal (pitch) for a journalistic story to be developed during the months of August and September.
  • The Climate Tracker team will select six proposals to provide financial support, mentoring and visibility.
• Phase 2
  • The six selected journalists will benefit from an exciting experience where they will put into practice what they have learned and develop their proposals between the months of August and September 2024.
  • During this time, if you are selected, you will benefit from personalized editorial support and mentoring tailored to your needs. With the support of the team, you will reach new levels of excellence and create a quality journalistic product.
  • In addition, once their work has been published in local media, each journalist will receive:
    • Additional financial incentive of 1,000,000 Colombian pesos, direct support for your talent and dedication!
    • Opportunity to spread your work through the Environmental Media Network: They want your work to be recognized and have greater impact.
  • In short, this is an opportunity to improve your skills as a journalist, expand your professional connections and secure your place in the climate change arena.
  • By the end of Phase 2, you will have become a prominent member of the network of climate journalists in Latin America and the Caribbean and will be ready to face new challenges.

Why attend the “ABC of Climate Finance” workshop?

• During the last COP28, the Colombian delegation stood out for proposing a core discussion in the climate negotiations: How to finance the climate action that countries in the global south need to undertake? In fact, President Petro has proposed that countries in the north exchange debt for climate action. This position, which coincides with that of many countries in the global south, demonstrates the importance of this topic in public conversations about the climate crisis.
• The impacts of the climate crisis are expected to cost Latin America up to $462 billion by 2050. This is in addition to the fact that much of the money that reaches these countries to finance climate action is offered through loans that increase the countries’ indebtedness.
• One of the solutions that has been implemented to increase the funds to finance the fight against the climate crisis is carbon markets. However, this has been branded as a false solution due to complaints from communities that show the negative side of these projects.

Who is this opportunity for?

• This opportunity is aimed at journalists based throughout Colombia who are interested in honing their skills and telling stories about the intersection between climate finance, biodiversity and climate change in the country.
• Both journalists working in media outlets and those working independently are welcome to apply. This is a training and learning experience that you can combine with your other responsibilities.
• Ideal candidates:
  • They will have at least one year of experience in journalism.
  • They will demonstrate a clear interest in environmental and climate issues.
  • They will attend the workshop for two days.
  • They will present a convincing journalistic proposal (after the workshop).

For more information, visit Climate Tracker.