1 week ago
Indian Newspapers Highlighted Environmental Crises, Study Finds
A study looked at how two major Indian English newspapers reported environmental issues.
It examined newspapers published during the first six months of 2023.
The papers often put environmental stories on their front pages.
Weather problems, pollution, disasters and wildlife were the most common topics.
However, many stories focused on dangers to people rather than nature as a whole.
Government officials were quoted more often than scientists, activists or affected communities.
The study also found that newspapers did not use much data.
The researchers said coverage should include more voices, topics and evidence to help people understand sustainability and climate change.
An IIM Indore study examined environmental coverage in two national English-language newspapers from January to June 2023.
Researchers analyzed 360 editions and identified 435 front-page environmental stories, including 32 lead stories.
Weather, pollution, natural disasters and wildlife dominated coverage, while only four G20-linked environmental initiatives received front-page attention.
Government officials were the most frequently quoted sources, with scientists, activists and affected communities receiving less representation.
The study found predominantly human-focused, problem-oriented coverage and called for more diverse sources, data and ecological perspectives.
- Who
- Prof. Sangeetha Unnithan of IIM Indore conducted the study, which examined two national English-language newspapers.
- What
- The study assessed the prominence, sources, topics and framing of environmental stories on newspaper front pages.
- Where
- The study focused on leading English-language newspapers in India.
- When
- The coverage analyzed was published from January through June 2023, during India’s G20 presidency.
- Why
- It examined whether environmental coverage supported inclusive and informed public debate during a period when sustainability was a key G20 agenda.
Key facts
- Study institution
- IIM Indore
- Researcher
- Prof. Sangeetha Unnithan
- Publication
- Journalism and Media
- Study period
- January-June 2023
- Editions analyzed
- 360 newspaper editions
- Environmental stories
- 435 front-page stories, including 32 lead stories
- Most prominent topics
- Weather, pollution, natural disasters and wildlife











