Solar Energy

Reducing carbon emissions in the next thirty years

On Wednesday, the Biden Administration released a plan to reduce carbon emissions in the U.S. by producing almost half of the nation’s electricity from the sun by 2050. Last year, solar energy provided less than 4% of the country’s energy. 

The Energy Department said that the country needed to double the amount of solar energy panels installed every year over the next four years and then will need to double installations again by 2030.

Here’s what you can do:

While Biden has a nationwide goal, you can ask the energy sector of your city what their goal is (if they have one). Do they have any idea on how to increase solar energy in their own area? 

Because larger cities use more energy than smaller cities, it’s always interesting to compare numbers with cities around you. Does your city produce three times the amount of energy as the neighboring small town? Or does it produce half as much? Show us. Your city manager should have this information. 

Now that you’re on the subject of climate change, it’s time to find out how else your city has done its part in reducing its own emissions and pollution. If a strong effort hasn’t been made, ask them why. Putting pressure on the local government can cause them to rethink their actions toward climate change. 

So if you’re an environmentalist, or simply trying to localize a national government story, climate change is an extremely relevant and important topic no matter where you are writing.

Remembering 9/11

The 20th anniversary of the historical attacks on the U.S.

Saturday is the anniversary of one of the most tragic days in American history: a day that changed things forever, including journalism and the importance of reporters.

The attack on the World Trades Center launched our country into the longest war ever fought by the United States — with an occupation in Afghanistan lasting longer than high schoolers today have been alive.

Here’s what you can do:

A topic like 9/11 and the past 20 years that has followed is huge and includes so many layers. 

Here are several ways you can localize a story about 9/11 from anywhere in the country: 

• Talk to people in your city (of course, they need to be old enough to remember 9/11.) Ask them what they remember from that day and how it changed them. Ask them where they were and what outlet they found out the news from. Though 20 years ago, people still remember the details from that day. 
• While it may seem controversial, talk to veterans or other local military personnel if they believe occupation in Afghanistan was justified and if they think the US responded correctly. The most emotional responses make for great direct quotes because they really help younger readers feel that day. 

With a topic that stirs so much emotion, you want to stay away from quoting anyone who may be perpetuating a stereotype or being offensive. Using diverse voices is really important for a story like this and t it’s okay to expand your reach and go outside of your own town if that is necessary to find those voices.

Covid-19 vaccine booster shots

The debate for vaccine efficacy and distribution reaches a new level

Like many other vaccines, the COVID-19 vaccine has the potential to require a booster dose to increase vaccine efficacy. Those boosters should be released by the end of the year, but many areas are still struggling to get enough people initial doses of the vaccines. 

The CDC’s original plan was to offer boosters by Sept. 20; they have since decided that more debate into the efficacy of those boosters must be done first.

Some countries have already received booster dosages, stirring up a discussion about whether it is ethical for wealthier countries to receive a third dose before other countries have even had the opportunity to vaccinate their population.

Here’s what you can do:

While the country awaits a decision on whether the CDC will release booster shots just yet, stories can still be written. 

In order to give readers background, talk to local health professionals and start by having them explain what exactly a booster shot does. These experts can also tell you what other vaccines require boosters and how long it took after their development to require these extra doses. 

Ask your city’s health department for the number of residents in the city that are vaccinated as well to put your local area into perspective compared to the nation or state. 

You can also talk to people in your community to see if they are willing to take a booster shot if it does become required. Whether they say yes or no, remember to ask them all why. 

Sometimes it may seem that you have worn out the COVID-19 topic, but there will always be new angles to tell another story about the pandemic.