Hazardous in more than one way

Climate change threatens nearly one-third of U.S. hazardous chemical facilities

According to a new analysis by the Government Accountability Office, one-third of the hazardous chemical facilities in the United States are at risk from climate-driven floods, storms and wildfires.

Over 10,000 factories and facilities that house hazardous products were analyzed to find that about 3,200 of them were located in places that face yearly damage from climate-change caused disasters.

The report finds that flooding is the most widespread danger for the facilities, and all 50 states house these facilities.

Here’s what you can do: 

If you live within the U.S., you should find out what facilities in your state are at risk. Talk to workers who go their daily and communities who surround the plants. Ask them if they are concerned and what their opinions on climate change are.

Reporting on climate change has never been more important, with so much misinformation out there, journalists need to make sure they are providing all of the facts.

In an essay from Sammy Roth in the LA Times, the climate journalist shares tips on how to be a great climate reporter. Roth said that getting personal about climate change, made him a better reporter.

One tip that Roth provides, is to not sugar coat the truth behind climate change. Readers will appreciate the honesty, no matter how scary it might be.

Finland and Sweden no longer neutral?

Neutral Finland and Sweden consider joining NATO

Through the Cold War and the decades since, nothing could persuade Finland and Sweden that they would be better off joining NATO — until now.

Because of Russia’s invasion of and war against Ukraine, Finland and Sweden are warming up to the idea of joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

A Finnish poll found that over 50% of the country’s population supports joining NATO for the very first time. Similar results occurred in Sweden.

The attack on Ukraine prompted both Finland and Sweden to break with their policy of not providing arms to countries at war by sending assault rifles and anti-tank weapons to Kyiv. For Sweden, it’s the first time it’s offering military aid since 1939, when it assisted Finland against the Soviet Union.

As tension builds in Europe, only time will tell if the formally neutral countries will join NATO in an effort to control Russia.

Here’s what you can do: 

If you haven’t been keeping up with the Russia-Ukraine war, now is the time to catch up — same with the history of NATO and its importance to the U.S. and other Western European democracies.

Vox has a breakdown of the war and its complex details here.

Students all over the country have held protests and demonstrations for peace where they stand in unity with Ukraine on school grounds. What have students at your school done to educate themselves or show support?

It’s important for journalists to remain educated on foreign affairs issues because having a larger perspective of the word gives you much more insight into your coverage. Diplomats and your audience alike can learn from journalists and what important issues are going on worldwide.

The rise and fall of school-sanctioned sports

New bill targeting trans athletes signed into law

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill into law last week that prohibits transgender athletes, K-12 through college, from playing on sports teams that align with their gender identity.

The bill went into effect immediately, meaning lawsuits against the state on behalf of displaced student-athletes may be in the offing.

Iowa isn’t the only state to have enacted anti-trans laws recently. Texas, South Dakota, and Indiana have made similar legislative moves.

All states enacted laws that would prevent trans students from playing alongside their peers, or in some cases, penalizes parents for “allowing” their kids to transition.

Here’s what you can do: 

Wether you speak to an athlete or a parent of an athlete, give them a voice in your story. We need to know how these laws will be affecting the people in these states.

Trans rights have been increasingly in danger this legislative session, and now would be the time to ask your state senators and representatives why. Why do they choose to prioritize these more controversial bills? What affect do they hope these bills will have?

All of your state legislators have their phone numbers and emails on the legislative website. Give them multiple calls a day until they pick up (I know it can be scary but you get used to it), and be aggressive in your calling.

Kids all over the country will be affected by these bills. Tell their story.