Earth.org Weighs in on Environmentalism Amidst a Pandemic

Earth.Org, a not-for-profit environmental news source, collects articles from prominent researchers, academics, and journalists. It then spreads that truth around the world on environmental issues.

This outreach is more necessary than ever, as climate change is a complicated global problem becoming increasingly precarious by the day, as is the pandemic. Earth.Org considers various global factors, as addressing these issues requires a widespread, well-informed, and trusted international community.

Introducing Earth.Org

The news source has been based in Hong Kong since its launch in 2019. Constant Tedder, its founder, has led a long career as a social entrepreneur. He founded the Hive, a significant co-working space network, and sought to expand sustainable practices through Earth.Org.

He says, “The issue of climate change will have dramatic impacts on all humans and animal species on the planet unless our current self-destructive paths are altered to better, more sustainable pathways.”

Floortje van der Grinten, Earth.Org’s Head of Business Development and Operations, expands on the positive structural impact that Earth.Org hopes to make. She says, “Earth.Org’s ultimate hope is to stir action within society.”

She believes, in alignment with Earth.Org’s mission, that ecological news can make a real difference. She says, “It enriches our understanding of the interdependence between man and nature, the very nature that is essential to our well-being and prosperity.”

Earth.Org operates from a Hive location based in Hong Kong

Network

Earth.Org gathers articles from various contributors, drawing professionals from many fields. The reality of climate change involves political, social, and geographic factors, and the diversity of Earth.Org’s content reflects this.

Van Der Grinten says, “We have journalists and researchers who have experience in environmental sciences, economics, political sciences, and conservation, as well as those who are passionate about the climate crisis and have valuable insights to share.”

The team collects articles from writers around the world. Then, it edits, markets, and distributes them through its platform. Anyone interested in writing, editing, or research can contact Earth.Org through a volunteer form.

Work in Context

Earth.Org deals with a far-reaching, global issue. However, its base in Hong Kong lends it a specific, critical perspective. Business intern Vanessa Liew notes that Hong Kong’s environmental problems rarely reach global platforms. However, Earth.Org highlights them along with all its other content.

Earth.Org shares environmental news from primary world sources like CNN and BBC. It also includes more local authorities; Liew cites the South China Morning Post, or SCMP, as an example.

She notes a recent Earth.Org article on Hong Kong's largest shark fin seizure. The region’s prevalent shark finning problem gets very little coverage compared to other environmental issues.

Socio-Ecological Ideals

Earth.Org’s team members take personal pride in its mission. Van Der Grinten says it aligns with her goal of being an “environmentally conscious and socially responsible individual.”

Liew believes in the social benefits of ecological news. As a Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania student, she seeks to concentrate on Environmental Policy and Management. She wants to use her business education to make “organized change.”

“The focus for me,” she says, “Is to contribute as much as I can to my broader environmental goal.”

She believes organizations like Earth.Org help individuals conceptualize and address specific environmental problems. She says, “People look to these organizations to determine how they want to wrap their heads around things.” As a targeted database of knowledge, she says, Earth.Org has great mobilizing value. It breaks problems down, and it makes them more approachable.

Guests at an Earth.Org event learn environmental news and share discussion

Projects and Growth

Just after its foundation, Earth.Org published 12 articles a month. Now, the number has risen to 50 or more. Earth.Org also runs worldwide awareness events. It guides film screenings and video projects, and it plans to launch an educational platform soon.

Earth.Org for Kids will supplement childhood education. It will provide news and resources geared toward children, increasing reading comprehension and environmental knowledge.

The site has recently added a Conservation category to highlight environmentalist organizations. It aims to spread the work of smaller organizations to a global audience.

Liew says, “People’s voices are amplified at different levels.” She appreciates that Earth.Org uses its large platform to protect the earth and inform its people. In her view, it uplifts important voices. It acts upon its responsibility and privilege as a global platform.

Environmentalism During the Pandemic

Earth.Org has addressed the current pandemic as an environmental issue. It has also analyzed risk factors for future pandemics, which climate change could exacerbate.

Liew mentions an article on Brazilian deforestation as an example. It links rainforest destruction to an increased risk of animal-borne diseases. Such illnesses spread more quickly when animal habitats and migration patterns are interrupted. Another article analyzes COVID-19’s effect on plastic pollution. As an article on social inequality, some Earth.Org offerings look at the pandemic sociologically.

Earth.Org hopes to provide relevant and reputable research in light of the misinformation surrounding the pandemic. Liew says, “I think Earth.Org is trying to seize this opportunity. This is a hot topic right now that’s uniting almost everybody worldwide.”

How to Contribute

There are many ways to support Earth.Org’s mission. To help it enlighten the world on environmental issues, individuals can donate or volunteer to curate content. They can also subscribe to the site’s biweekly newsletter, keeping up-to-date on its most topical news.

Van Der Grinten encourages biodiversity-related organizations to send content to conservation@earth.org. The news source always seeks to expand its global network.

Written by Olivia Cipperman