Murder of Dom Phillips in Brazil reveals danger of environmental journalism
Murder of Dom Phillips, a journalist in Brazil originally from the United Kingdom, reveals danger of environmental journalism as increasing reporters are killed
Journalism is not typically thought of as a dangerous profession. Sure, there are romanticized depictions of war correspondents and the courageous reporters, photographers and videographers who venture deep into areas of political turmoil and civil unrest, ultra-corrupt countries and natural disaster sites. But the public by and large isn’t worrying about other reporters.
And yet the disappearance and alleged killing of intrepid British journalist Dom Phillips this month in Brazil’s Javari Valley shines a grim spotlight on the lesser-known but equally chilling hazards of environmental reporting.
Reporting on the environment is one of the most perilous beats in journalism.
Reporting on the environment is one of the most perilous beats in journalism.
In Phillips’ case, police say tragedy struck the veteran journalist, who has worked for such news organizations as The Guardian and The Washington Post, in a rainforest region beset by illegal fishing, poaching and other environmental crimes. Right now, reports suggest Phillips may have been killed over an illegal fishing conflict in an Indigenous reserve on the border of Colombia and Peru. Police have sought so far to play down any links to organized crime, although Indigenous activists in the area remain skeptical.
Rating: 5