Ecological Journalism in theory and practice: The initiation of future reporters into covering scientific topics in Baixada Santista Santelmo Camilo

Abstract

The Brazilian press needs to improve its coverage of the environment. For many media outlets, the most significant news in this area are natural disasters, water crisis, deforestation and superficial issues related to fauna and flora. Topics on effluent contamination, urban ecology, monitoring of ecosystems and vegetation, mangrove landfill, use of polymers in ship washing, among others, are far from the understanding of journalists, remaining unknown to the general public.

This is due to the press' lack of familiarity with ecology and environmental issues, and also the distant relationship with scientists, who must have the results of their research revealed to society, fulfilling an important social role.

This article sows the seed for the implementation of a future Environmental Journalism discipline in the Journalism faculties of Santos. We will show how future reporters need to familiarize themselves with the topic, through theoretical and practical classes with immersion in the universe of Ecology. Students need to know that the possibilities for topics are vast and are not limited to specialized or scientific journals. They are intrinsic to the understanding of life on the planet, daily life and quality of life, the reporter simply needs to familiarize himself with ecological issues and work in an educational way, free from partisan and corporate interests, and dedicate time to listen to scientists, ecologists, and researchers, fishermen, healers and rural workers. The ecological theme chosen for the students' report is about marine contamination by toxic substances.