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SMC grant to aid science reporting at climate talk
SMC grant to aid science reporting at climate talks
With the Copenhagen climate conference in Denmark looming, it is far from clear whether the world's nations will be able to reach agreement on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
But one thing is for sure - the scientific
evidence suggests such an agreement is crucial. The UN
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) presented
in its 2007 Fourth Assessment Report compelling
scientific evidence of global warming and the need for
comprehensive
reductions in emissions.
While the politics of climate negotiations will take centre stage at the United Nations Climate Conference (COP15) scheduled to take place in Copenhagen from December 7 - 18, it is important that the science underpinning the need for emissions reduction isn't overlooked. New Zealand's specific climate challenges, such as the high proportion of emissions from the agricultural sector, also need to be put in context.
As such, the Science Media Centre is offering a $1500 travel grant to allow a New Zealand journalist to travel to Copenhagen to cover the COP15 proceedings.
Preference will be given to applications from science and environment reporters and to proposals that indicate the journalist is planning to look at the science of climate change in the course of reporting on the conference's proceedings.
The travel grant is open to staff journalists and freelancers operating in any medium - print, radio, TV and/or online. Applications are to be sent to the SMC by email by 5pm, September 28.
Registered journalists can log into the SMC Resource Library to download the application form. If you are not registered for the website you can do so quickly here.
Awarding of the grant is conditional on the winning applicant gaining press accreditation for the COP15 meeting. Media registration is now open and details on requirements can be found here.
Judging of applications:
The SMC has assembled a panel of judges to consider applications for the travel grant. The judges include:
Alan Samson,
Massey University journalism lecturer and former newspaper
journalist.
Anthony Scott, chief executive of Science New Zealand
Lyndal Byford,
Deputy Director Australian Science Media
Centre
Applicant checklist:
- Completed SMC Travel
Grant application form, including estimated budget for the
trip.
- Approved registration for COP15
meeting.
ENDS
Science Media Centre NZ
Our aim is to promote accurate, evidence-based reporting on science and technology by helping the media work more closely with the scientific community.
The Science Media Centre is New Zealand's only trusted, independent source of information for the media on all issues related to science. Thousands of news stories providing context from and quoting New Zealand researchers have been published as a direct result of our work.
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