Dear SEJ Members,
With the climate crisis rapidly intensifying, it is more important than ever to advocate for environmental journalists.
SEJ has a powerful voice in promoting the advancement of environmental journalists to support compelling and in-depth reporting that increases engagement, shapes public dialogue and raises awareness about climate issues. I am running for the board to join that effort and help tackle the challenges faced by our profession as younger and seasoned reporters alike work to shed light on how residents across the country are coping with climate change and its growing effects on their communities.
As a board member, I will strive to fulfill SEJ's mission of strengthening the quality, reach and viability of environmental journalism by prioritizing diversity and inclusion within the industry.
Underrepresentation has long been a problem as people of color, women and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds continue to face barriers that make them far less likely to work in media and hold leadership positions in the workplace. Racial and gender minorities are integral to building trust with audiences and telling complex, nuanced stories that reflect the experiences of their communities. But they are underpaid — making much less than what their male, white counterparts earn. I will push for wage negotiation workshops and more scholarships, especially for first-generation college students and those attending community colleges and public universities who most need our support.
I will seek to strengthen the scope of bilingual journalism through culturally competent training and mentorship opportunities. I will advocate for Spanish speakers, English learners and anyone interested in writing and reporting in two or more languages to help them achieve their full potential. I will work to build partnerships with other journalism groups representing people of color and encourage collaboration among members working in the same region. The goal is to better understand how to support one another and best communicate complex environmental science stories to diverse audiences.
Low-income people of color are particularly vulnerable to and burdened by natural disasters, environmental hazards and heavy pollution. As journalists, it's crucial we examine these impacts on all segments of society and reflect the communities we aim to serve. This core tenet will drive all of my decisions as a board member and motivate me to push for policies and initiatives that will ensure SEJ's institutional success.
About me:
Nadia Lopez is an environment reporter at CalMatters, where she covers air pollution and climate policy, with a special focus on California's major goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Previously, she helped launch the Central Valley News Collaborative at The Fresno Bee, a first-of-its-kind enterprise project that tells the stories of the San Joaquin Valley's diverse Latino community. There, she started reporting on environmental issues by exploring how climate change and drought are reshaping the valley and the lives of the region's most vulnerable — particularly immigrants, low-income residents and those who work in the agricultural industry. She was born and raised on the U.S.-Mexico border in Chula Vista, California and graduated from San Francisco State University.
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