The Internews Earth Journalism Network (EJN) is requesting grant applications for journalism projects related to climate change adaptation and responses to the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. Organizations seeking to carry out training and network-building projects are welcome to apply for grants that will average about $15,000 each.

As the impacts of climate change become more apparent on a global scale, the need to adapt has also become more urgent. Local media has a crucial role to play in improving public access to and dialogue around climate change adaptation information. In order to implement effective adaptation efforts, local communities need the most current and relevant information available upon which to base their decision-making. Government institutions need to communicate more openly with the media and public about solutions-oriented environmental information, and listen to the public to ensure policies are tailored to address their adaptation needs.

The Climate Grants for Adaptation and Response are available to support the creation, growth, and capacity building of journalism organizations focused on reporting about climate change adaptation and the response to the Paris climate agreement. What are governments and other key stakeholders doing in response to the agreement? Are they living up to the commitments they signed on for? Is the financing that was promised being delivered? This is an opportunity for journalism networks and their members to think strategically about how to build local capacity for reporting and information exchange around climate change adaptation and response.

Supported by funding from the Oak Foundation, this round of Climate Grants is intended to support network- or capacity-building projects that may involve content production, with flexible spending guidelines that enable local networks to invest in strategic opportunities, build on the skills of their members, and respond to communities’ needs. Projects proposed should have a strong thematic focus on climate change adaptation and response to the Paris climate agreement. Particular attention should be given to reporting on the needs, challenges, efforts, and success stories of vulnerable and marginalized communities. The deadline for applications is February 12, 2016 at 5:00 PM EST.

This is just one of several forthcoming grant opportunities being made available by EJN. Access to information about issues such as climate change and biodiversity is more essential than ever. As such, EJN has planned for an active year of grantmaking around these issues.

For organizations, we will announce in the coming months:

• A call for a second round of Climate Grants to support the development and introduction of innovative technology and/or story telling methods focused on climate change adaptation and response
• The recipients of Biodiversity Grants aimed at supporting journalism networks and media organizations in increasing the capacity of media to cover critical issues of conservation and biodiversity (Applications are now being reviewed)

For individuals, we will announce:

• Story grants focused on the resilience of people, communities and governments adapting and responding to climate change’s adverse impacts and to the Paris Climate Agreement
• Story grants to support the production of in-depth stories that highlight untold threats to global biodiversity or explore new conservation-based solutions
• Story grants focused on environmental issues in the Congo Basin region (open now)
• Fellowship opportunities to cover the Adaptation Futures Conference in May, the COP22 Climate Summit in November, and at least one major international conference focused on biodiversity.

To apply for these opportunities, please continue to monitor the Opportunities page of our website at the Earth Journalism Network. For more information and to apply specifically for the Climate Grants for Adaptation and Response, please go to the application page on our website.