As the sixth mass extinction looms and the Great Barrier Reef diminishes, media outlets are switching up how they cover the environment.
The Guardian announced several changes to its style guide on Friday in an effort to "more accurately" describe environmental crises. Some of the changes include saying "climate emergency, crisis or breakdown" instead of "climate change," "wildlife" instead of "biodiversity," and "climate science denier" instead of "climate skeptic."
The Guardian is not banning the original terms, but highly suggests using the updated phrases.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
"We want to ensure that we are being scientifically precise, while also communicating clearly with readers on this very important issue," said editor-in-chief Katharine Viner, also adding that the phrase "climate change" is somewhat "passive and gentle."
The announcement comes nearly a month after CNN launched an Instagram account dedicated solely to climate issues. The account was spurred by a desire to appeal to CNN's following of younger voters who are increasingly listing climate change as a top policy concern, reports Digiday.
While global belief in climate change is high, the U.S. still remains a hotbed for disbelief in human-induced change, ranking third in the world for the highest denial rate.
-
The end of ‘golden ticket’ asylum rightsThe Explainer Refugees lose automatic right to bring family over and must ‘earn’ indefinite right to remain
-
Grecotel Luxme Dama Dama: Greek luxury with a breezy beach vibeThe Week Recommends Rhodes is reimagined in this refined and relaxed resort
-
Sudoku hard: October 8, 2025The Week's daily hard sudoku puzzle
-
Renewables top coal as Trump seeks reversalSpeed Read For the first time, renewable energy sources generated more power than coal, said a new report
-
China vows first emissions cut, sidelining USSpeed Read The US, the world’s No. 2 emitter, did not attend the New York summit
-
At least 800 dead in Afghanistan earthquakespeed read A magnitude 6.0 earthquake hit a mountainous region of eastern Afghanistan
-
Massive earthquake sends tsunami across PacificSpeed Read Hundreds of thousands of people in Japan and Hawaii were told to evacuate to higher ground
-
FEMA Urban Search and Rescue chief resignsSpeed Read Ken Pagurek has left the organization, citing 'chaos'
-
Wildfires destroy historic Grand Canyon lodgeSpeed Read Dozens of structures on the North Rim have succumbed to the Dragon Bravo Fire
-
Search for survivors continues after Texas floodsSpeed Read A total of 82 people are confirmed dead, including 28 children
-
EPA is reportedly killing Energy Star programspeed read The program for energy-efficient home appliances has saved consumers billions in energy costs since its 1992 launch
