2026 Reporting Fellowships: Exploring Climate Change and Bangladesh’s Private Sector

The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) is offering a significant opportunity for journalists in Bangladesh to delve into the critical intersection of climate change and the private sector. The 2026 Reporting Fellowships are designed to support in-depth journalism that explores how industries, businesses, farmers, and workers in Bangladesh are both impacted by and contributing to climate change. This fellowship is particularly timely given the increasing recognition that climate change is not just an environmental issue but also a major economic one, affecting productivity, exports, and business practices across all sectors.

Bangladesh faces unique challenges due to its geography and economic structure, making the relationship between its private sector and climate change a complex and vital area for reporting. Traditional climate reporting often focuses on coastal vulnerabilities, but this fellowship broadens the scope to include how heat stress affects factory workers, how erratic weather impacts agriculture, and how industrial activities contribute to environmental degradation. Furthermore, upcoming regulations like the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) highlight the growing need for businesses to adopt climate-responsible practices to remain competitive in global markets. This fellowship provides a platform for journalists to uncover these stories and highlight emerging solutions.

Fellowship Themes to Explore

The fellowship encourages pitches that address a range of interconnected themes. Applicants are invited to propose stories that investigate the direct impacts of climate change on Bangladesh’s private sector and the adaptive strategies businesses are employing. This includes examining the growing influence of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rules on corporate behavior and investment decisions.

Another key area of focus is climate finance instruments, such as carbon markets, and how they are being utilized or could be developed within Bangladesh. The fellowship also welcomes proposals on new business opportunities arising from the climate crisis, including advancements in renewable energy and the development of clean mobility solutions. Stories exploring the role of artificial intelligence in addressing climate implications, as well as investigations into corporate greenwashing and accountability, are also encouraged. EJN particularly favors proposals that present fresh, underreported angles on these subjects.

Eligibility Requirements for Applicants

To be eligible for the 2026 Reporting Fellowships, journalists must be based in Bangladesh. The fellowship is open to individual journalists or small groups, with one designated lead applicant. Reporters working across all media platforms, including print, online, television, and radio, are welcome to apply, whether they are freelancers or staff journalists. Applications can be submitted in either English or Bangla.

Applicants are required to disclose any use of generative AI in their reporting process. A crucial part of the application is submitting two samples of previous journalistic work that demonstrate the applicant’s ability to produce high-quality, in-depth reporting. Additionally, a letter of support from an editor is mandatory, confirming their commitment to publishing the fellowship-supported story by September 30, 2026.

Fellowship Logistics and Support

A maximum of ten fellowships will be awarded, providing successful applicants with both financial funding and valuable mentorship. The reports produced through this fellowship are expected to be published by September 2026. These reports can be produced in either English or Bangla, with provisions for English translation if necessary.

Applicants must also submit a risk management plan to ensure their safety during the reporting process. The fellowship budget can include security-related costs if deemed necessary for the proposed story. This comprehensive support system aims to enable journalists to undertake challenging and impactful reporting on climate change and the private sector in Bangladesh.

Budgetary Guidelines for Proposals

The fellowship requests that proposed budgets be reasonable, with a maximum ceiling of 1500 EUR. Applications that present smaller, more focused budgets are likely to be more competitive. The budget must be submitted as a detailed Excel spreadsheet, including clear justifications for each expense.

The funding should primarily cover reporting costs such as travel, accommodation, translation services, and safety measures. It is important to note that the budget should not be used for purchasing new equipment. Freelance journalists may include a stipend for their work, but this amount must not exceed 30% of the total requested budget. Applicants are also required to disclose any other funding sources they may have secured for their proposed project.

Judging Criteria for Applications

Applications will be evaluated based on several key criteria to ensure the selection of the most promising projects. The relevance of the proposed story to the core themes of climate change and the private sector in Bangladesh is paramount. Originality and the presentation of fresh, underreported angles will be highly valued.

The reach and impact potential of the intended publishing outlet are also important considerations, as is the potential for the story to inform the public and influence policy or business practices. Applicants demonstrating innovative storytelling approaches, including the use of multimedia or data visualization, will be given preference. The feasibility of the project and the applicant’s ability to complete the reporting and publication by the deadline are also critical factors in the evaluation process. Finally, the strength and commitment expressed in the editor’s support letter will play a significant role.

SHARE THIS POST WITH OTHERS

Frequently Asked Questions