Is There Sunshine in Environmental News?

After writing about global warming and a zombie apocalypse, I decided it was time for an optimistic post.

Cautionary messages have raised public awareness of environmental issues. Although warnings can earn news coverage for a problem, they don’t support behavior change directly and may even discourage audiences.

The "canary in a coal mine" approach to outreach can increase news coverage of environmental issues, but it doesn't change behavior effectively.

In 2009, Grist responded to the discouraging nature of environmental news by starting a project called HopenSource. Although the site is no longer active, the positive stories are still online – including posts on JELL-O cups, a CSA farm program designed for the South Bronx, and a bike path made of ink cartridges. I hope the magazine will revive this project.