#United States #San Diego #Climate Change #SEAL Awards #Environmental Journalism

Twelve Journalists Honored for Pioneering Environmental Reporting

As the world faces a pressing climate crisis, the 2025 SEAL Environmental Journalism Awards have been bestowed upon twelve exceptional journalists. These dedicated reporters have brought to light the urgent realities of climate change and environmental justice through their impactful stories.

The Importance of Environmental Journalism

Environmental journalism has become a cornerstone of public awareness, especially as the effects of climate change become increasingly severe. From toxic mining practices for renewable energy to the unseen ramifications of systemic food waste, the role of journalists in shedding light on these issues is paramount. The 2025 SEAL Awards acknowledge those who stand at the frontline of this truth.

Safa Bee, the Impact Lead at SEAL, emphasizes the courage and intellectual rigor required in environmental reporting. She states, “Environmental journalists continue to stand at the forefront of truth. Their work brings accountability to power and urgency to discussions about environmental policy.” This year’s winners have successfully exposed failures in corporate and governmental accountability while documenting the lived experiences of individuals affected by ecological disruptions.

2025 SEAL Environmental Journalism Award Winners

The selection of the twelve honorees reflects a rigorous review process based on individual bodies of work, data-driven evaluations of their impact, and the ability to offer fresh perspectives on pressing environmental issues. Here are the distinguished winners:

• - Amudalat Ajasa - Washington Post, Guardian, Hofstra Chronicle
• - Sheree Bega - Mail & Guardian
• - Aaron Cantú - Capital & Main
• - Jael Holzman - Heatmap
• - Sanket Jain - Co-founder of Insight Walk; Earth Journalism; Yale Climate Connections
• - María Mónica Monsalve S. - El País
• - Brendan Montague - The Ecologist; founder of DeSmog UK
• - Monica Piccinini - The Ecologist, The Canary
• - Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco - Grist, Chicago Public Media
• - Hayley Smith - L.A. Times
• - Malavika Vyawahare - Mongabay
• - Eva Xiao - Financial Times

Each of these journalists has demonstrated exceptional dedication to environmental reporting, contributing to a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between climate issues, human rights, and social equity.

Addressing the Urgency of Our Times

The backdrop of escalating climate emergencies, such as the Amazon's shift towards savannah and increasing heat-related mortalities in urban areas, underscores the importance of the work being recognized this year. These journalists frame climate change not as an abstract threat but as a defining element of our reality today.

Amudalat Ajasa’s reports, for example, spotlight the Environmental Protection Agency's suppression of climate science, while Sanket Jain reveals the broad, often invisible impacts of pollution—from educational setbacks to potential neurotoxicity affecting entire communities. Jael Holzman’s investigative work dissects the complexities surrounding data centers and renewable energy initiatives, showcasing not just the environmental but also the socio-political tensions they encapsulate.

The SEAL Awards continue to broaden their reach, recognizing diverse voices from various media formats and regions, acknowledging that addressing climate change requires a collection of narratives that resonate across different communities.

Looking Forward

As we acknowledge these twelve outstanding individuals and their contributions, it is imperative to reflect on the role of journalists in tackling one of humanity’s most pressing challenges. The SEAL Awards not only honor these dedicated professionals but also inspire a new generation of journalists committed to addressing the climate crisis with the rigor, compassion, and urgency it demands.

For more information about the SEAL Awards and this year's recipients, please visit their official website. These awards exemplify the critical importance of journalism in sustaining public discourse on environmental issues and spurring action for future generations.