Climate Change and Press Freedom Fellowship 2026: Fully Paid CPJ Opportunity
Are you passionate about protecting journalists who report on climate change? The Climate Change and Press Freedom Fellowship 2026 offers a fully paid chance to make a real difference. Offered by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), this one-year program pays $75,400 and welcomes applicants from around the world.
About the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)
CPJ started in 1981 as an independent nonprofit group. It works to defend journalists and support press freedom everywhere. The group has freed jailed reporters, pushed for justice against those who harm journalists, and fought for laws that protect free speech.
CPJ keeps detailed records of press freedom problems over the past 30 years. Now, through its Climate Crisis Journalist Protection Initiative, CPJ focuses on dangers faced by reporters covering climate change and the environment.
About the Fellowship
This 12-month Climate Change and Press Freedom Fellowship 2026 joins you to CPJ’s Global Advocacy team. You will help create plans to keep safe the journalists who cover climate change, environmental harm, corruption, corporate actions, and human rights.
The role mixes research, advocacy, and teamwork on these key issues. It fits people who want to blend media safety with global climate work.
Key Responsibilities
Fellows take on several main tasks to support CPJ’s goals.
Research and Policy Analysis
You will do new research on how climate change affects press freedom. Look at worldwide patterns in risks to environmental reporters. Then, create policy ideas and plans to fight those risks.
Data and Landscape Analysis
Use CPJ’s big database to study threats across regions. Spot common problems and places that need quick help. This work builds a clear picture of dangers for journalists.
Global Engagement
Run surveys with climate reporters from many countries. Set up roundtables and meetings in different areas. Talk with news teams, activist groups, and others who care about the issues.
Advocacy and Communication
Write reports, fact sheets, and stories. Help run public events and private talks. Add your voice to CPJ’s worldwide push for change.
Institutional Contribution
Grow CPJ’s info on climate and press freedom links. Help plan long-term safety steps for reporters.
What the Fellowship Offers
This program gives strong support for your work and growth.
Competitive Compensation
Get an annual salary of $75,400, or the same value based on your location.
Flexible Work Arrangement
Work from home or in a hybrid setup. The job is open worldwide, as long as you can match US Eastern Time by up to six hours.
Professional Growth
Join a top group with global reach. Gain skills in advocacy, policy, and climate-press links.
Impactful Career Experience
Help protect reporters on urgent topics. Build experience that stands out in journalism, policy, or advocacy careers.
Eligibility Criteria
You need to fit these basics to apply.
Required Qualifications
Show solid knowledge of press freedom, news work, and climate change. Have hands-on time with climate or green topics. Bring top research, writing, and thinking skills, plus care for details.
Preferred Skills
Extra points for work on corruption probes, company checks, or deep reporting. Global experience helps. Speak English well; Spanish or French is a plus. Know Google Workspace tools.
Work Requirements
Handle tasks alone or with a team. Stay available in the right time zone.
Application Timeline
The deadline is April 12, 2026. The fellowship runs for 12 months after that. Apply soon, as spots fill fast.
How to Apply
Go to the CPJ careers site to submit your application. Find the link on their official page for this Climate Change and Press Freedom Fellowship 2026.
Why You Should Apply
This chance lets you lead on press freedom fights tied to climate risks. Do key research, meet world leaders, and shape safety plans. It builds a path in global work on media and environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the fellowship?
The fellowship provides an annual salary of $75,400, or equivalent based on your location.
What qualifications do I need to apply?
You need strong knowledge of press freedom, journalism, and climate change, plus excellent research, writing, and analytical skills.
What are the key responsibilities?
Responsibilities include research on risks to climate reporters, data analysis, global surveys, advocacy, and creating reports.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline to apply is April 12, 2026, via the CPJ careers site.