The Jackson Foundation recently provided a second strategic initiative grant to The Seattle Times Climate Lab – a reporting initiative to confront climate change.
A decade ago, The Seattle Times launched a unique approach to impact journalism by tapping community funders to support public service journalism on specific policy issues. Solutions journalism seeks to drive change by:
- providing independent information to the public, policymakers, and community leaders about issues;
- identifying policy priorities; and
- suggesting ways to address problems.
The reporting aims to foster awareness, spark community discussion, and highlight solutions to complex social issues, such as public education, mental health, and homelessness. This approach is oriented toward making sound public policy and taking thoughtful steps.
Last year, The Seattle Times launched the Climate Lab to inform the public, policymakers, civic leaders, and voters about climate change and its impacts on the Pacific Northwest. This includes offering information to consumers, highlighting successes, and offering possible solutions. The Lab aims to provide full coverage of global warming with actionable insights.
The Climate Lab’s work directly ties to the Foundation’s goal to raise awareness about the impacts of the climate crisis and potential solutions. We believe that environmental coverage of our local area can bring the climate crisis closer to home and drive action — our ultimate goal.
This investment also supports the Foundation’s civic engagement work. Strong local journalism contributes to better civic health and a well-informed public. In recent years, significant reductions in funding for the press has affected public media outlets in the United States, making these contributions even more critical.
The Foundation is proudly investing in this innovative model of public service journalism and climate change reporting at The Seattle Times – our local, independently owned newspaper.