The ecomodernists: journalists reimagining a sustainable future

This chapter defines and explains ecomodernist journalism, a way of reporting on the environment underpinned by the philosophy of ecomodernism, which argues that government-driven technological innovation, entrepreneurship, and ingenuity are the principle means by which societies can hope to achieve sustainable development. The chapter is based on an analysis of the work of high-profile journalists writing on the environment and climate change who draw on and apply principles of ecomodernism to offer a distinct framing of sustainable development. It demonstrates how the philosophy informs the work of these writers and thinkers, and the particular approaches they take in assessing expert knowledge, evaluating policy proposals and technological options, and in brokering cross-cutting dialogue. The analysis of these prominent writers and thinkers demonstrates that ecomodernist journalism has successfully gained global audiences, been assimilated into mainstream reporting, and has the potential to be the animating worldview that distinguishes the coverage of individual journalists and news organisations as they report on sustainability. The chapter argues that journalism informed by ecomodernist ideas fulfils a vital need in public and political debates over sustainable development