Nearly half of journalists covering climate crisis globally received threats for their work

Groundbreaking new research also reports that 11% of surveyed have faced physical violence in their reporting

Almost four out of every 10 journalists covering the climate crisis and environment issues have been threatened as a result of their work, with 11% subjected to physical violence, according to groundbreaking new research.

A global survey of more than 740 reporters and editors from 102 countries found that 39% of those threatened sometimes" or frequently" were targeted by people engaged in illegal activities such as logging and mining. Some 30%, meanwhile, were threatened with legal action - reflecting a growing trend towards corporations and governments deploying the judicial system to muzzle free speech.

This article was amended on 5 June 2024 to clarify that 39% of those threatened sometimes" or frequently" were targeted by people engaged in illegal activities. A previous version incorrectly said 49%.