cXc Climate Reporting Code of Conduct

Journalism faces challenges old and new—from the erosion of press freedom to report on climate issues, to the rise of misinformation and synthetic reporting. This guide represents climateXchange’s manifesto for ethical, accurate and effective climate journalism, from foundational concepts in reporting ethics to the nuance of modern reporting on what the defining crisis of our time means to the people most affected by its impacts.   

Foundational pillars of climate reporting 

Objectivity

However emotive the subject matter, content should be delivered in a way that captures diverse viewpoints, isn’t inappropriately coloured by the views of the reporter or the title, and is free of agenda, save for one: that climate change is happening, its impact is increasingly intersecting with everyday life and situations, and action must be encouraged. 

Accuracy

Journalists must source their material ethically and tenaciously, scrutinising their work for ambiguity and producing content that is persuasive yet factually correct and responsibly sourced to the highest degree possible.

Relatability

The blight of climate reporting is that it is happening faraway, to someone else. Bring it home to people; make them see why this affects them, too, and relates to their lifestyles, interests and wellbeing. And show them exactly how little changes made by many can add up to big changes for everyone and be aspirational in themselves.

Editor’s Code of Practice 

To build trust with their audiences, we encourage climateXchange to adhere to its code of practice for responsible reporting:

Accuracy and sourcing of information

• Be transparent. Strive to include voices from all credible sides of the subject. Anonymous sources must be used only in exceptional circumstances.
• Prioritise reputable scientific sources. Consider carefully whether dubious or controversial opinions on climate change that disregard scientific evidence or prioritise political or economic gains should be platformed, even in context.
• When quoting a study, care must be taken to ensure the source is peer-reviewed and reputable, and where possible authored by more than one individual. Whenever possible attempt to include at least one objective source; avoid basing stories entirely on the content of one study.
• Take care not to publish misleading, inaccurate or distorted information. This includes images and/or headlines disingenuous to the text or the repeating of rumour.
• Correct any significant misleading information, inaccuracy or distortion promptly. This should have due prominence, and with — if appropriate — an apology published. We recommend that if an online story contains a correction, this should be acknowledged in an appropriate place stating what was corrected and when.
• Source ethically. Avoid using hidden devices, intercepted phone calls or other clandestine means to gather information. If it is deemed information that came to your attention in this manner is in the public interest, discuss with your editor before sharing
• Show your working. If the article uses quotes or information sourced from a previously published third party, include the source—and remember that such acknowledgment does not indemnify you from legal proceedings if the information is deemed to be libellous or defamatory
• Safeguard where appropriate. Information must be sourced with due care given to the safeguarding of minors, compromised sources/whistleblowers and/or vulnerable individuals.

Objectivity and conflicts of interest

• cXc partners must strive to deliver information without political bias or agenda in a way that is objective, fair and backed up with credible intelligence.
• We accept that a certain amount of editorialisation is a matter of house style—but with a subject as prone to politicisation and distrust as climate reporting, we ask that the subject is treated in a manner that focuses on facts.
• Local knowledge and positioning can be an asset to a story, but if a journalist’s ability to report on a story objectively due to their relationship to the subject matter, consider whether that journalist is an appropriate voice.

Nature of content 

   cXc discourages material containing or subtexts that imply:

• defamatory content against individual(s) or groups that isn’t rooted in fact
• prejudicial or discriminatory content against any persons or groups 
• swear words outside of quotes
• sexual swear words
• terms of racist or ethnic abuse
• terms of sexual and sexist abuse or abuse referring to sexuality or gender identity
• pejorative terms relating to illness or disabilities
• casual or derogatory use of holy names or religious words and especially in combination with other strong language
• Incitement to intimidation, violence or or other lawbreaking or any suggestion of approval of such activity
• Political lobbying or partisan language
• Sexualised nudity, content or innuendo

In addition, we encourage our members to:

• be respectful of individuals’ privacy and dignity
• not be in violation of an individual or organisation’s intellectual property (IP)
• not praise, substantively support or represent positively events or organisations that engage in what cXc/Syli deems violent conduct

Community conduct

cXc and by extension its community, either online or at in-person events, connects professionals from a range of backgrounds and cultures. Users of cXc channels have a right to use our platforms in a manner that is professional, safe and supportive. Users are asked to conduct collaboration and communication on these channels in a way that reflects this. When using cXc collaboration and communication channels please:

• do not share personal contact details
• avoid critical or inflammatory comments, especially concerning individuals or content
• do not employ language, viewpoints or humour that may be interpreted as offensive
• maintain apolitical and secular engagement

Any abuse of the channels should be reported to feedback@climatexc.org