Boiling Point Podcast: Hot Takes About Climate Journalism

Episode Release Date: May 22, 2025
Host: Sammy Roth, Climate Columnist, Los Angeles Times
Guest: Sadie Babbitts, Supervising Climate Editor at NPR and Author of Hot Takes: Every Journalist's Guide to Covering Climate Change*

Introduction to Climate Journalism

In this episode of Boiling Point, host Sammy Roth delves into the evolving landscape of climate journalism with Sadie Babbitts, an esteemed climate editor at NPR and the author of Hot Takes: Every Journalist's Guide to Covering Climate Change. The conversation sets the stage by highlighting the critical role journalists play in addressing one of the most pressing issues of the 21st century—climate change.

Notable Quote:
“I believe every reporter is now, to some degree, a climate reporter.”
— Sammy Roth [00:07]

The Genesis of Hot Takes

Motivation to Write the Book

Sadie Babbitts discusses the inspiration behind her book, emphasizing the need to equip journalists with the tools to effectively cover climate change across various reporting domains.

Notable Quote:
“It's essentially a guidebook, a primer of all the things that you need to know on an immensely huge topic, climate change, to help journalists... to be comfortable with the science, to avoid some of the pitfalls and also have some hope in the process.”
— Sadie Babbitts [05:08]

Broad Audience Focus

Babbitts explains why her book isn't limited to environmental reporters but is a resource for all journalists, regardless of their beat.

Notable Quote:
“If you are a sports reporter, heat is going to be a really big concern. If you're covering football... that is climate change.”
— Sadie Babbitts [06:35]

Evolution of Climate Journalism

From Denialism to Robust Reporting

The discussion moves to how climate journalism has transformed over the years. Babbitts recounts the early 2000s when climate change was a polarizing topic, often presented as a debate between two sides, thereby fueling denialism.

Notable Quote:
“It's been this sort of tension within climate journalism of, you know, do we see ourselves as active players in trying to solve climate change?”
— Sammy Roth [22:11]

Positive Changes Observed

Babbitts points out significant improvements in recent years, such as the reduction of climate denialism in reporting and a shift towards more human-centered stories.

Notable Quote:
“Stories are a lot more human-centered because climate change impacts all species, including our own. That's been really refreshing to see.”
— Sadie Babbitts [09:25]

Combating Misinformation and Disinformation

Shifts in Misinformation Tactics

The conversation highlights how misinformation around climate change has evolved from outright denialism to more sophisticated forms, such as attributing extreme weather events to renewable energy sources inaccurately.

Notable Quote:
“There was a lot of misinformation and disinformation being brought about with the governor and blaming what happened on renewables, that solar and wind failed. And that didn't happen at all...”
— Sadie Babbitts [11:23]

Strategies for Journalists

Babbitts offers advice on when and how journalists should tackle misinformation without inadvertently amplifying false narratives.

Notable Quote:
“If it's out there and everyone is spreading it, media outlets...need to be responsible and take the time to debunk.”
— Sadie Babbitts [16:15]

Defining Misinformation vs. Disinformation

Clarifying the difference, Babbitts defines misinformation as unintentional spread of false information, whereas disinformation is deliberate and often tied to agendas like greenwashing.

Notable Quote:
“Misinformation... is unintentional... Disinformation is intentional. This is greenwashing. This is putting a narrative out there and trying to spin it.”
— Sadie Babbitts [14:08]

Objectivity vs. Advocacy in Climate Reporting

Evolving Views on Objectivity

The episode delves into the nuanced debate of maintaining journalistic objectivity while advocating for solutions to climate change. Babbitts shares her journey from traditional impartial reporting to a more engaged form of journalism that acknowledges the urgency of the climate crisis.

Notable Quote:
“We are all very curious... we're all very curious about, maybe not all, I think at the end of the day, we're pretty curious.”
— Sammy Roth [27:55]

Balancing Fairness and Advocacy

Babbitts emphasizes that acknowledging the reality of climate change doesn't equate to losing objectivity. Instead, it's about presenting factual information and encouraging proactive solutions.

Notable Quote:
“I do think that it's okay to acknowledge that climate change is here. I mean, the science is there.”
— Sadie Babbitts [24:45]

NPR's Role in Climate Coverage

Commitment to Robust Reporting

As the climate editor at NPR, Babbitts outlines how her team remains dedicated to in-depth and objective climate reporting, despite external challenges like political pressures and the intimidation of scientists.

Notable Quote:
“Climate journalists have a really important role in getting trusted information to people, and we take that very seriously on the climate desk.”
— Sadie Babbitts [28:44]

Collaborative Efforts Across Stations

She highlights NPR's collaborative approach, working with affiliate stations nationwide to cover diverse climate impacts and solutions, thereby enriching the overall narrative.

Notable Quote:
“We lead a group of climate reporters from all around the country who work at NPR affiliate stations...we have these weekly calls and we talk through story ideas.”
— Sadie Babbitts [30:16]

Engaging the Audience and Encouraging Action

Audience-Driven Reporting

Babbitts shares insights on how NPR tailors its climate coverage based on audience interactions, emphasizing topics that resonate most, such as climate solutions and the intersectionality with health and indigenous communities.

Notable Quote:
“People are interested in what they can do... climate solutions stories resonate with our audiences.”
— Sadie Babbitts [31:38]

Empowering Listeners to Influence Media

Addressing listeners who want more climate coverage, Babbitts advises proactive engagement with local journalists, encouraging them to suggest story ideas and express their interests.

Notable Quote:
“I really encourage people to email their local station...have a story there that you end up hearing, seeing, reading, and connecting with people.”
— Sadie Babbitts [35:23]

Conclusion and Promotion

The episode wraps up with Babbitts promoting her upcoming book, Hot Takes: Every Journalist's Guide to Covering Climate Change, slated for release on June 2, 2025. She emphasizes the importance of structured, solution-oriented climate reporting in shaping a sustainable future.

Notable Quote:
“How we shape our climate reporting and our stories, it really matters.”
— Sadie Babbitts [34:44]

Final Thoughts

This episode of Boiling Point offers a comprehensive exploration of the current state and future of climate journalism. Sadie Babbitts provides valuable insights into overcoming misinformation, balancing objectivity with advocacy, and engaging audiences to foster a more informed and proactive public. Her forthcoming book serves as a crucial resource for journalists aiming to enhance their climate reporting skills in an increasingly urgent global context.

For more insights and updates, listen to the full episode of Boiling Point on your preferred podcast platform.