VILA REAL, PORTUGAL – AUGUST 13: Three firefighters monitor the blaze as flames burn beside them during a wildfire that has been raging for over a week in Vila Real, Portugal, on August 13, 2025. David Oliveira / Anadolu

World Environment Day 2026 Fact Sheet

05.06.2026

Attacks on Environmental Reporting 2020-2025

On this 2026 World Environment Day, the MFRR is publishing a fact sheet analysing attacks on environmental reporting documented between 2020 to 2025 in EU Member States and candidate countries. Journalists and media workers reporting on climate and environmental issues suffered physical attacks, verbal abuse, legal threats or were otherwise obstructed in their work.

The data shows that climate protests are the most common site of attacks related to environmental reporting, but journalists were also attacked when documenting natural disasters. Coverage of the Türkiye-Syria earthquake from 2023 made reporters particularly vulnerable to attacks. Topics otherwise covered, ranged from environmental crimes to pollution and corporate malpractice.

These attacks highlight the urgent need to protect journalists covering environmental issues safely and without intimidation as part of public interest reporting in Europe.

Download the Fact Sheet

This fact sheet was coordinated by ECPMF as part of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), a Europe-wide mechanism which tracks, monitors and responds to violations of press and media freedom in EU Member States and Candidate Countries.