Climate Journalism as Climate Action

As funders seek the highest-leverage opportunities to accelerate climate action, an important question emerges: Is strengthening climate journalism one of the most underinvested climate solutions available today? This discussion will bring together philanthropic leaders, climate journalists, and media innovators to explore the role of journalism in shaping public understanding, informing decision-makers, and creating the conditions for durable climate progress. Panelists will examine how philanthropic investments can expand high-quality climate reporting, reach audiences beyond traditional environmental circles, elevate local and community-based stories, and counter misinformation without compromising journalistic independence. The conversation will also explore what funders can learn from successful investments in media and narrative change, where the greatest funding gaps exist today, and how strategic support for journalism can help unlock progress across climate mitigation, resilience, public health, economic development, and environmental justice. Following the panel discussion, leaders of five journalism non-profits in the climate space will deliver concise, high-impact pitches tailored to philanthropists and philanthropic advisors interested in supporting essential climate reporting and communication. For funders looking to maximize impact, this session will consider whether supporting climate journalism is not simply a communications strategy, but a critical investment in the infrastructure of climate action itself. More information, speakers, and event program This event is part of Assembly, the main Swiss stage at Climate Week NYC 2026. As world leaders gather in Midtown Manhattan, Swissnex assembles Swiss and global voices – from private sector innovators and researchers to artists and policymakers – in the East Village for three days of communal climate thinking and action. Assembly speaks to deliberation and democracy – the idea that communities must collectively define their futures – as well as the ongoing, creative, improvisational process of constructing those futures from the pieces of our present.