Importance Score: 72 / 100 🔴
Examining Local Climate Solutions: A National Project
Times Insider offers a glimpse into our journalistic process, explaining our mission and providing behind-the-scenes perspectives on how our reporting comes together. This initiative focuses on climate change solutions across the United States, highlighting environmental projects and local climate initiatives.
Last July, on a bright and balmy day, Cara Buckley, a reporter for The New York Times’ Climate desk, journeyed to a former pig farm in Iowa. Her purpose was to meet the proprietors who had transitioned from factory farming in 2022 by selling their hogs and starting a mushroom cultivation business, aiming to rehabilitate the land.
During her visit to this revitalized farm, Ms. Buckley conceived an idea: to showcase local climate solutions in each of the 50 states.
“I simply wondered, what other crucial narratives are we overlooking?” Ms. Buckley reflected. Subsequently, she collaborated with Catrin Einhorn, another Climate desk reporter, to realize this ambitious project.
The inaugural segment, entitled “50 States, 50 Fixes,” was published the previous month. It spotlights climate and environmental solutions in five diverse states, including a 100-acre nature sanctuary in Hawaii, a pedestrian-oriented neighborhood in Arizona, and geothermal energy contributing to the power supply of Idaho’s capital.
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The Genesis of “50 States, 50 Fixes”
In an interview, Ms. Buckley elaborated on the significance of presenting constructive climate change narratives within the current news landscape and the personal fulfillment she derives from investigating remedies for our warming planet. The following are edited excerpts from the conversation.
Ambitious Scope: Project Selection
Fifty states is indeed an ambitious undertaking. What criteria do you employ to determine which programs and projects merit attention?
Our objective is to identify initiatives that offer dual benefits—to both people and the environment. We also strive for elements of surprise and novelty. The car-free neighborhood in Arizona, for instance, captivated us with its unexpected approach. How do residents thrive in the Arizona summer without cars? I discovered that many inhabitants genuinely appreciate this lifestyle, given that transportation constitutes a significant portion of emissions. Individuals are fostering a strong sense of community there.
Reporting in a Changing Political Landscape
Impact of Policy Shifts
You commenced reporting on this project in January, coinciding with the beginning of the Trump administration. Has this political shift influenced the project’s nature or your reporting methodology?
This political context has amplified the project’s relevance, as the localities we are examining represent the epicenter of climate action within the U.S. currently. Undeniably, there have been widespread rollbacks of environmental protection measures. In Catrin’s report on wildlife crossings, she highlighted the uncertainty surrounding federal funding, which could impede the scaling up of these crucial efforts. While it hasn’t fundamentally altered our reporting process, it has introduced a degree of uncertainty regarding the future expansion and even viability of some projects we intend to cover.
Memorable Reporting Experiences
Hawaii Immersion
Could you share a particularly memorable on-the-ground reporting experience from your work thus far?
Having worked as a reporter for over 25 years, my experience in Hawaii stood out profoundly. During initial discussions with the program director and the health clinic’s executive director, their insistence was clear: “You must come here.”
They were absolutely correct. The palpable dedication, remarkable achievements, and sheer joy invested in rehabilitating this piece of land were unmistakable. Initially, I anticipated a four or five-hour visit. However, I ended up spending twelve hours—an entire day extending into the night—departing reluctantly only due to severe jet lag. It was a truly unforgettable experience.
Challenges and Scope
What have been the most significant challenges encountered in your reporting?
The primary challenge is the limitation of on-site reporting time. Ideally, with a five-year timeframe, we could thoroughly investigate every state. However, much of our reporting is conducted remotely from New York. Furthermore, the sheer volume of compelling initiatives, often interconnected, presents a complex puzzle. We are committed to ensuring that our narratives remain distinct and avoid repetition.
Reader Takeaways and Empowerment
Hope and Action
What key message do you hope readers will derive from this project?
Witnessing the current realities of climate change and environmental degradation can be disheartening. However, it’s crucial to understand that individuals possess the capacity to contribute positively.
Climate change presents a formidable challenge, often fostering a sense of helplessness. Yet, people are far from powerless; they can actively engage in measures that benefit themselves and their respective communities, driving meaningful change and fostering a sense of collective efficacy.
From Culture to Climate
A Career Shift
You previously served as a reporter on the Culture desk. What motivated your transition to climate coverage?
In 2019, I authored an article for the Opinion section addressing climate grief, published under the headline “Apocalypse Got You Down? Maybe This Will Help.” During my research, I consulted an eco-psychologist who had personally grappled with despair regarding the unfolding climate crisis. He was a former environmental lawyer with a history of advocating for the preservation of wilderness areas, only to witness their destruction through development.
He conveyed a crucial insight: while discussions on emissions and carbon concentrations are vital, they often overlook the parallel narrative—the extensive, impactful work being undertaken by numerous individuals. This positive dimension of the news landscape, showcasing solutions and progress, often remains underreported, and highlighting these stories became my motivation for this shift in focus.