Reporting on the Urban Environment
A Training Workshop for Journalists
July 10 - 12, 2025
Chicago
From July 10-12, IJNR brought 15 journalists to Chicago to explore issues like legacy pollution, urban waterways and public health. Conducted in partnership with the Uproot Project, this workshop was for journalists of color interested in learning more about covering the environment.
Participating journalists met with community leaders, scientists, urban planners, and city officials as they traveled around the city and learned about efforts to chart a more sustainable - and just - future for Chicago’s 2.7 million residents, and how those efforts translate to urban areas around the country. Participants also heard from educators and editors about how to get started in the environment beat, best practices for covering communities of color, and more.
Topic covered included:
Legacy pollution and public health outcomes in “fenceline” communities
Chicago’s proposed “cumulative impacts” ordinance and its potential public health benefits
A “toxic tour” of Chicago’s southside
Ecological restoration efforts on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal
Community-led efforts to reconnect to green spaces and city parks
Trainings on reporting on the environment beat and covering communities of color