Reporting on Climate Change and Bangladesh’s Private Sector: A Fellowship Guide
Journalists in Bangladesh have a significant opportunity to deepen their reporting on the critical intersection of climate change and the nation’s private sector. The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) is offering reporting fellowships designed to support in-depth stories that explore how various industries, businesses, farmers, and workers are impacted by and contribute to climate change. This initiative aims to bring a more nuanced perspective to climate reporting, moving beyond traditional focuses on rural and coastal vulnerabilities to examine the broader economic and social implications.
The fellowship is particularly timely given the increasing evidence of climate change’s effects on businesses. A World Bank study highlighted that in 2024, heat-related health issues caused 25 million lost workdays. This underscores the urgent need for industries to understand and address their complex relationship with the changing climate. The program encourages journalists to investigate these connections and uncover emerging solutions within Bangladesh.
Fellowship Themes to Explore
The fellowship invites journalists to pitch stories that fall under several key themes. These themes are designed to cover a wide range of issues where climate change and the private sector intersect. Applicants are encouraged to propose unique angles that have not been extensively covered before.
Impacts and Business Responses
One core area of focus is how climate change directly affects Bangladesh’s private sector. This includes examining how businesses are adapting to or mitigating these impacts. Stories could explore how erratic weather patterns affect agricultural output or how rising temperatures reduce productivity in factories.
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Rules
The influence of ESG regulations on businesses is another important theme. Journalists can investigate how these frameworks are shaping corporate behavior and sustainability practices within Bangladesh. This could involve looking at compliance, challenges, and the effectiveness of these rules.
Climate Finance and New Opportunities
The fellowship also encourages reporting on climate finance instruments, such as carbon markets. Additionally, it opens doors to explore new business opportunities arising from climate action, like renewable energy projects and advancements in clean mobility solutions.
Technology and Corporate Accountability
The role of artificial intelligence in addressing climate implications is a forward-looking theme. Furthermore, the fellowship supports investigations into corporate greenwashing and the mechanisms for ensuring accountability in environmental claims.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
To be considered for the 2026 Reporting Fellowships, applicants must meet specific criteria. The program is open to journalists based in Bangladesh, whether they are individual reporters or part of a group, with one designated lead applicant.
Who Can Apply
Journalists working across all media platforms, including print, online, television, and radio, are welcome to apply. Both freelance reporters and staff journalists are eligible. Applications can be submitted in either English or Bangla. Applicants must also disclose any use of generative artificial intelligence in their work.
Required Documentation
Applicants are required to submit two samples of their previous work to demonstrate their reporting capabilities. Additionally, a letter of support from an editor is necessary. This letter must commit to publishing the fellowship-produced report by September 30, 2026. A risk management plan, addressing safety considerations for the reporting project, should also be included.
Fellowship Logistics and Funding
The Earth Journalism Network plans to award up to 10 fellowships. Each fellow will receive funding along with valuable mentorship to support their reporting projects. The completed reports are expected to be published by September 2026 and can be produced in either English or Bangla, with an English translation provided if necessary.
Budget Guidelines
The fellowship offers a maximum budget of €1500. Applicants must submit a detailed Excel budget that clearly justifies all proposed expenses. The funding is intended primarily for reporting costs, such as travel, accommodation, translation, and safety measures. It is not meant for purchasing new equipment.
For freelancers, a stipend may be included in the budget, but it cannot exceed 30% of the total requested amount. Applicants must also disclose any other funding sources they may have for their project. Applications with smaller, more focused budgets are likely to be more competitive.
Judging Criteria for Applications
Applications will be evaluated based on several key factors to ensure the selection of high-quality reporting projects. The relevance of the proposed story to climate change and the private sector in Bangladesh is paramount.
Key Evaluation Points
The originality and freshness of the story’s angle will be a significant consideration. The reach and potential impact of the intended publishing outlet are also important. The fellowship committee will look for innovative storytelling approaches, including the potential use of multimedia and data visualization.
Feasibility, meaning the project can be realistically completed and published on time, is crucial. Finally, the strength and commitment demonstrated in the editor’s support letter will play a role in the final decision.
The Application Process
Interested journalists can apply through the Earth Journalism Network website. The process involves creating an account or logging in, completing the online application form, and uploading the required documents.
Steps to Apply
- Navigate to the “Apply Now” section on the EJN website.
- Log in to your existing account or create a new one.
- Fill out the application form with all necessary details.
- Upload your detailed budget in Excel format, two work samples, and the signed editor support letter.
- Submit your complete application before the deadline on June 14, 2026, at 11:59 PM Asia/Dhaka time.
It is important to note that late applications will not be considered. All published reports must include the tagline: “This story was produced with support from Internews’ Earth Journalism Network.” EJN and its partners reserve the right to edit, publish, broadcast, and distribute the stories produced through this fellowship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of the Earth Journalism Network (EJN) fellowship?
The fellowship aims to support in-depth reporting on how Bangladesh’s private sector is affected by and contributes to climate change.
Who is eligible to apply for this fellowship?
Journalists based in Bangladesh, working on any media platform (print, online, TV, radio), including freelancers and staff, are eligible.
What kind of financial support does the fellowship provide?
The fellowship offers a maximum budget of €1500 for reporting costs like travel, accommodation, and safety measures, but not for equipment.
What are the key requirements for the application?
Applicants must submit two work samples, a letter of support from an editor committing to publication, and a detailed budget.
