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Bringing social justice into ocean science reporting

The ocean is facing grave threats from climate change, overfishing, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Emerging industries such as deep-sea mining and marine geo-engineering are adding further pressure. Journalists need to ensure that their reporting of these topics is scientifically accurate, and that they include the voices of those most impacted by disruptions to the marine environment.

How can journalists access on-the-ground sources and bring in diverse perspectives of coastal communities in an equitable way? What are some of the topics that are particularly important, and across which regions? For reporters, what is the potential for local partners to achieve greater equitable representation, and how can cross -border collaborations build capacity?

This panel, made up of journalists and editors who have faced these questions, will explore the challenges and opportunities for bringing social justice into ocean science reporting.

  • Frankie Adkins
    Speaker | Freelance | UK/Australia
    Frankie Adkins is a British freelance journalist exploring the intersections of ocean science, culture and conservation. Her reporting on marine environments and Indigenous stewardship has been featured by BBC, The Guardian and SBS. She is based in Australia and is a Pulitzer Center grantee.
  • Carl Smith
    Speaker | Australian Broadcasting Corporation | Australia
    Carl Smith is an award-winning science journalist working for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)’s Science Unit and Radio National.
  • Barry Christianson
    Speaker | Freelance | South Africa
    Barry Christianson is a freelance documentary photographer and journalist from Cape Town, South Africa.
  • Detty Saluling
    Moderator | The Pulitzer Center | Thailand
    Detty Saluling is a senior manager at the Pulitzer Center, where she manages journalism projects focusing on environmental issues in Southeast Asia. She has over 15 years of experience working in strategic communication and journalism for environmental and forestry sectors across the region.
 

The World Conference of Science Journalists (WCSJ) will take place at the CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria, South Africa from 1 – 5 December 2025, with the theme “Science journalism and social justice: journalism that builds understanding and resilience”.

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