Background

There is growing alarm about the impact of climate change on the oceans, and the ability of the ocean-sector to mitigate these changes. Nowhere are the impacts more obvious to human eyes than along the coasts, where land meets sea. Mongabay is seeking stories that will take a critical look at coastal and nearshore solutions that attempt to mitigate climate change or aid humankind’s adaptation to it. We are particularly interested in projects that are showing documented evidence of success, progress or promise, with strong track records that go beyond the anecdotal.

Suggested story topics and guidelines:

We welcome proposals from experienced journalists for conventional news stories, in-depth features, investigative reports, profiles, and case studies. We will also consider proposals for fully edited and produced videos of up to 10 minutes in length. Mongabay is particularly interested in stories that are relevant to one of the following subjects:

– Efforts to protect or enhance coastal “blue carbon” ecosystems, such as seagrass meadows, marshes, and mangrove forests
– Nearshore or coastal low-carbon energy development
– Coast-based efforts to reduce or adapt to ocean acidification
– Novel efforts to address coastal erosion or sea-level rise

Opinion pieces, or commentaries, will not be considered for this project and are not paid opportunities. Please share commentary pitches using this form and refer to submission guidelines here.

Each story will be between 800 and 2,000 words in length and will include quotes from at least three original interviews. Authors will be expected to provide five to 10 publishable photos free for Mongabay’s use to accompany their articles, along with captions and photo credits.

Mongabay will negotiate all fees and contracts on a per-story basis. Completed stories will be paid on a per word or fixed fee basis, with rates depending primarily on the journalist’s experience.  Mongabay.com publishes under an open Creative Commons license that allows for sharing, translation, and re-posting.  More information on Mongabay’s editorial standards and practice can be found here.

How to submit your story pitch

To send Mongabay a pitch, please be prepared to also share your resume/portfolio along with three samples of your work. The story pitch should be roughly 500 words in length and include a title for the project. Viable pitches will clearly explain the specific subject you would like to write about in detail and your approach to covering it, and describe a few potential sources. If you are proposing a story that is led by video, please indicate that and include a short description of your video idea. Pitches for video-led stories should also include an expected shot list and interviews.

Please use the following form so that the information is directed to the most appropriate editors:

• Pitch a story to the Oceans team in English