It's #WorldWildlifeDay! Not just human lives are affected by climate change - animals are, too, including migratory birds. MONA alum @rachelreports.bsky.social covers the importance of forest conservation in Central America for @audubon.org.
🐦➡️ ow.ly/zQtF50YozuZ
A photo of AWJ fellows waving from a pier, in front of bold letters that read: "We want to hear from you!" with the Metcalf logo
Are you a Metcalf alum? We want to hear from you! If you’ve completed a fellowship, training, or workshop with us, follow the link below to fill out a brief survey so we can learn more about our wonderful alumni community.
📝 ow.ly/4F8p50Yn44b
A photo of snow piling up on an uncleared sidewalk during the Blizzard of '26
Still shoveling out of the Blizzard of '26 today? Take a hot chocolate break to listen to a recording of last week's very relevant webinar for journalists: Causes and Responses to Extreme Winter Weather. @soljourno.bsky.social ow.ly/Yq9k50Ym2bL
📣Deadline extended: apply by Monday, February 23! Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to fully immerse yourself in reporting on climate change topics by applying for Metcalf's 28th Annual Science Immersion Workshop for Journalists.
web.uri.edu/metcalf/awj/
Time's running out! Apply for the 28th Annual Science Immersion Workshop for Journalists by Monday, February 16! If you're an early- or mid-career journalist looking to strengthen your ability to cover climate change and science topics, this fellowship is for you!
ow.ly/K5gJ50YerZu
A photo of the Beacon Media team, including publisher Joy Fox, with Metcalf Executive Director Fara Warner and Training Program Coordinator Ethan Brown, at the Beacon Media office in Rhode Island
Congrats to our second cohort of 10 Climate Ready Newsrooms for completing the first phase of the fellowship! A visit to Beacon Media here in RI kicked off the next phase of supporting them as they launch their climate readiness goals. Next stop: Vermont!
web.uri.edu/metcalf/loca...
A black-and-white photo (by Therese Iacono) of 2025 AWJ fellows during a farm immersion, with the text AWJ The Annual Science Immersion Workshop for Journalists, Apply by February 16!
There's still time to apply! The AWJ fellowship lets journalists engage with scientists about their research, learn in the field and on the water, boost climate reporting skills, and forge a network of connections that will last a lifetime. Apply by February 16!
ow.ly/Ym3950Y9XEu
Last month, our Executive Director Fara Warner sat down with advisory council member Charles Ellison in an episode of the B|E note's series, Decision Makers. Hear their conversation about how journalists can improve their coverage of climate issues:
thebenote.substack.com/p/decision-m...
Go to the Uproot Resource Library to see three new reporting guides by 2025 MONA Fellows and Uprooters @rachelreports.bsky.social, @mjoel17.bsky.social, and Eva Tesfaye
uprootproject.org/initiatives/...
A graphic displaying the text: Causes and Responses to Extreme Winter Weather: February 8, 1-2 PM (EST) and headshots of panelists Jaime Palter, Jennifer Francis, Kevin Kircher, and moderator Charles Ellison. Description text: Recent winter extremes have raised new questions about how a warming Arctic may be reshaping weather far beyond the polar regions. Hosted by URI's Metcalf Institute and Solutions Journalism Network, this training for journalists explores the links between Arctic ice loss, polar vortex disruptions, and the growing frequency of severe winter weather across the Northern Hemisphere, as well as solutions that show how communities are adapting to these emerging risks.
Metcalf and @soljourno.bsky.social are teaming up to offer another free science training for journalists – on an issue many of us are feeling the effects of right now: Causes and Responses to Extreme Winter Weather. Join us Feb. 18 at 1 PM!
ow.ly/YVeX50Y8lZp
A photo by Elizabeth Partsch (AWJ 2025 alum) of downtown Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, and a headshot (by Therese Iacono) and quote from of Partsch: ”The AWJ fellowship taught me the importance of taking a step back and really listening to sources when you are interviewing them. Too often, we find ourselves always looking ahead to the next question or next angle when someone is talking to us. But true, authentic and effective journalism requires giving an interviewee your full attention by being present and slowing down. During AWJ, I learned that understanding (no matter how different someone's views may be) is the best way to produce a piece of justice.”
AWJ 2025 alum @liz-partsch.bsky.social reports on the landscape of energy production in Ohio, PA, and WV in the new @farmanddairy.bsky.social series "Powering a Nation." She tapped into interviewing skills honed with Metcalf to capture the nuances of the story.
📰Part one: ow.ly/Y9tC50Y5qb8
Alt text: "Metcalf Ocean Nexus Academy 2026 flyer with smiling headshots of Eva Tesfaye, Luis Joel Méndez González, and Rachel Ramirez. Includes deadline and info session details."
Join the Metcalf Institute and The Uproot Project at 6PM ET on Tuesday, Feb. 3rd for an info session about the Metcalf Ocean Nexus Academy (MONA) Fellowship. The new deadline for applications is 02/08 at 11:59 PM. us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
ICYMI: Applications are open for AWJ! Each year, fellows engage in hands-on learning focused on an environmental issue - this year's theme is plastics, pollution, and PFAS. Still on the fence about applying? Let these past AWJ fellows help persuade you!
Apply by Feb. 16: web.uri.edu/metcalf/awj/
A group photo of the Metcalf Institute team (from left to right): Mel Thibeault, Fara Warner, Ethan Brown, Abbie Lahmers, and Erin Edmonds
The Metcalf team has been following a strategic plan for the past year, and now it’s time to make it public! This plan takes us through 2028 when we will celebrate 30 years of bringing scientists and journalists together. Read online: web.uri.edu/metcalf/metc... 📸: Therese Iacono
A black-and-white photo of 2025 AWJ fellows during an oyster science immersion, with the text: Applications now open, deadline: February 16, 2026. AWJ: The Annual Science Immersion Workshop for Journalists. Photo by Therese Iacono
Applications open TODAY! Don't miss the opportunity to spend a week in June with us during the 28th Annual Science Immersion Workshop for Journalists (AWJ)! This year's theme: Pollution, Plastics and PFAS. Apply by Feb. 16! @urigso.bsky.social
web.uri.edu/metcalf/awj/
2025 AWJ fellows Ashley Miznazi (front) and Kelesha Williams (left of Ashley) and other fellows pictured on URI's research vessel during the summer fellowship. Ashley and Kelesha are featured in Metcalf Institute's new Alumni Newsletter on LinkedIn! Photo by Therese Iacono
📣We just launched the first edition of our monthly Alumni Newsletter! Whether you're an alum or interested in keeping up to date on science and climate journalism and career opportunities, this newsletter is for you! Find it on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/build-relati...
The cover of Metcalf Institute's 2025 Impact Report (follow the link in post to read the full report)
Pages from Metcalf Institute's 2025 Impact Report showing stats for the number of journalists trained this year and details about trainings and fellowships (follow the link in post to read the full report)
As we head into 2026, we reflect on this past year of change, challenges, and growth. Thanks to all of you for being a part of our story, whether you support with a donation, participate in a training, or share on social media!
📖Read our Impact Report: ow.ly/W0cF50XQ4w2
➡️Donate: ow.ly/OQr350XQ4w3
A headshot of Ambarish Karmalkar, an alum of Metcalf's SCIP fellowship, and his quote: “One lesson I learned during the SCIP fellowship is the importance of turning your science into a compelling story. This often requires building a narrative around one key finding, leaving out many details of your research. Our paper contains a number of important findings, but for this story, we decided to only emphasize the sea level rise component, which we felt would resonate most with the global community.”
As we gear up for the first edition of our monthly alumni newsletter on LinkedIn – starting Jan. 8 – we’re excited to share one of many exciting alumni accomplishments! In this week’s spotlight: @ambarish.bsky.social of URI in @us.theconversation.com
theconversation.com/sea-level-do...
A headshot of Andy Uhler, AWJ 2016 alum, and a quote about his experience with Metcalf Institute: "For the past three years, I've been the Energy Journalism Fellow at the University of Texas Energy Institute. In that role, I produce a narrative podcast describing the energy transition around the state. I always refer back to the Metcalf training when I'm discussing climate change, energy innovation, and everything in between. The program helped me feel confident discussing complex topics with academics and regulators and knowing what questions to ask.”
Tune into Phases and Stages: The Texas Energy Story, a narrative podcast by Andy Uhler! The AWJ alum uses his training to discuss climate change, energy innovation, and more.
energy.utexas.edu/phases-stage...
📣Metcalf alumni, share your updates for our new newsletter! form.asana.com?k=j6tAPErgXQ...
An image of hands holding a newspaper in the background overlaid with a headshot and quote from Joy Fox, Publisher of Beacon Media: “We came to this training feeling inadequate and nervous. And we left with more confidence on how to demystify, prioritize, and tackle science stories. We also learned strategies and techniques on how to engage with our communities, with an eye toward moving beyond the usual suspects." Logos: Giving Tuesday and Metcalf Institute
An image of a researcher working on the water in the background overlaid with a headshot and quote from Jaime Palter of the University of Rhode Island: “All of the Metcalf events I’ve participated in have been expertly crafted so that the conversations with journalists feel deep, meaningful, and productive. They have led me to think of new ways to communicate and given me connections with writers and radio personalities that have helped to promote the fabulous oceanographic science happening at URI and its value to the state and beyond.” Logos: Giving Tuesday and Metcalf Institute
Metcalf works with journalists and scientists to ensure scientific information is accessible to communities across the country. This #GivingTuesday – at a time when science and journalism are under attack – we’re asking for your support.
➡️https://give.uri.edu/campaigns/71977/donations/new?a=11421608
Graphic featuring images of the four webinar speakers - Noah Germolus, Laurie Kaplowitz, Dr. Clarissa Karthäuser, and Heather Stivison - and the text: Visualizing Science: Turning Complex Climate Research into Compelling Visual Narratives December 3, 3 PM EST Join Metcalf Institute and the Solutions Journalism Network for an inside look at the Synergy Project, a multi-year collaboration between Art League RI, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, and the University of Rhode Island which formed scientist-artist pairs to create a common language for science communication.
Save the date! On Dec. 3, Metcalf Institute and @soljourno.bsky.social offer a webinar on the Synergy Project, a collab between Art League RI, @whoi.edu, and the @universityofri.bsky.social, which seeks to create a common language for science communication.
uri-edu.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Metcalf Executive Director Fara Warner (left) pictured with Emory University’s Dr. Christine Ekenga (speaking) and Cornell University’s Dr. Roger Figueroa
Cornell University’s Dr. Roger Figueroa (speaking) pictured with the Equity on the Table panel at URI
University of Rhode Island’s Dr. Ambarish Karmalkar (speaking) with fellow panelists at the Equity on the Table conversation
Executive Director Fara Warner moderated "Equity on the Table: A Conversation about Public Health, Food Access, and Climate Change" with three fellows from the SciComm Identities Project (SCIP): Christine Ekenga, Roger Figueroa, and Ambarish Karmalkar.
In case you missed last month's fall lecture, "Equity on the Table: A Conversation about Public Health, Food Access, and Climate Change," you can watch the full panel on our YouTube channel!
📸: Therese Iacono
www.youtube.com/live/vD3Nmwx...
Join Ocean Nexus for the Communicating Environmental Justice and Social Equity in the Ocean Context webinar on 11/19/25 at 1 PM ET to hear from the MONA Fellows and the Directors of The Uproot Project, the @metcalfuri.bsky.social, and Ocean Nexus! oceannexus.org/webinar/
Read about URI geosciences professor @ambarish.bsky.social's research in Rhody Today! He is a Metcalf alum and climate scientist, who was part of our panel last month, Equity on the Table: A Conversation about Public Health, Food Access, and Climate Change
www.uri.edu/news/2025/11...
Metcalf network: if you’re a journalist or newsroom leader concerned about safety, join @penamerica.bsky.social and the Coalition Against Online Violence's free webinar, Leading the Way: Building Safer Newsrooms, on Nov. 13th at 12 PM ET.
pen.org/event/buildi...
Beacon Media Headshot of Publisher Joy Fox Beacon Media generates trustworthy journalism and compelling local storytelling that shines a light on the daily lives, aspirations, and issues of importance to communities in central Rhode Island – all while innovating the mediums through which they connect, engage, and serve audiences.
The Connecticut Mirror Headshots of John Moritz, Energy/Environmental Reporter, and Erica E. Phillips, State Policy Editor The Connecticut Mirror is a nonprofit, non-partisan, and digital-only newsroom that is the state's trusted source for in-depth news and reporting, covering a range of public policy topics.
The Providence Eye Headshot of Reporter Emily Smith (Not pictured: Debbie Schimberg, Founder, Publisher, and Managing Editor) The Providence Eye is a nonprofit journalistic initiative devoted to informing and empowering the public about events and issues of concern to residents and visitors of Providence, RI, and environs, with an aim of engaging the Providence community in civic life.
This final Climate Ready Newsrooms spotlight features 3 organizations close to home: Beacon Media, @ctmirror.org (@ericaephillips.bsky.social), and @thepvdeye.bsky.social! We’re excited to work with all 10 newsrooms over the next several months! Learn more online: ow.ly/Q9jZ50Xj5eR
ICYMI: Metcalf Institute hosted Equity on the Table: A Conversation about Public Health, Food Access, and Climate Change last Thursday. @colleen-cronin.bsky.social covered the panel for @ecorinews.bsky.social - read the article online!
ecori.org/interdiscipl...
Daily Hampshire Gazette Headshots of Reporter Emilee Klein and Managing Editor Chad Cain Based in Northampton, MA, the Daily Hampshire Gazette covers 20 cities and towns in Hampshire County and reports on news of significance in western Massachusetts in print and online.
The New Bedford Light Headshots of Reporter Brooke Kushwaha and Executive Editor Karen Bordeleau The New Bedford Light is a free, nonprofit, nonpartisan digital news outlet in New Bedford, Massachusetts dedicated to community-based coverage of important local issues.
WBZ-TV | CBS Boston Headshots of Meteorologist/Environmental Reporter Jacob Wycoff and Executive Producer for Weather Terry Eliasen The WBZ-TV newsroom has been telling New England’s stories since 1948, when WBZ became the region’s first television station, delivering trusted coverage on-air and online every day.
This week we’re highlighting three Massachusetts-based organizations in the new Climate Ready Newsroom cohort: @dailyhampgazette.bsky.social, @newbedfordlight.bsky.social, and @wbztv.bsky.social!
@terrywbz.bsky.social @brookekushwaha.bsky.social
web.uri.edu/metcalf/loca...
Event details: Equity on the Table: A conversation about public health, food access, and climate change. October 23, 5 PM Headshot of Dr. Ambarish Karmalkar, University of Rhode Island, and a quote he shares about the panel: "As a physical climate scientist, I can run models and generate data on how the climate is changing, but it's conversations like these that really help turn that science into something useful for addressing real-world challenges."
Don’t miss our Fall Lecture TOMORROW, October 23! RSVP for the free, open-to-the-public panel on public health, food access, and climate change at URI’s Kingston campus, featuring 3 experts, including climate scientist and URI professor @ambarish.bsky.social!
web.uri.edu/metcalf/2025...
I first had the opportunity to study how climate change is impacting (read: increasing) vector-borne illnesses by expanding the range of ticks, mosquitoes etc via @metcalfuri.bsky.social in 2020 and I think about that unit more often than I’d like to
