Study Finds Media Coverage of Climate Change Declined Amid 2024 Disasters

Recent reports highlight a dangerous escalation in extreme weather events globally in 2024, with record-breaking temperatures fueling deadly heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, storms, and floods that displaced millions and resulted in thousands of deaths, with experts warning the true toll is likely much higher. Scientific organizations like World Weather Attribution and NOAA directly link these disasters to climate change, noting that in the U.S. alone, 27 extreme weather events each exceeded $1 billion in damages. Despite these alarming trends and heightened public concern, media coverage of climate change has declined; a Media Matters study found that broadcast networks reduced their climate coverage by 25% from the previous year and rarely connected extreme weather events to climate change. A global survey found that 89% of people want their governments to take more action on climate, yet current policies are projected to allow 3.1°C of warming, revealing a significant gap between public demand and political response. In response, major media outlets have launched initiatives like the 89% Project to amplify coverage of the climate majority and encourage more accountability in reporting. These developments underscore the urgent need for increased public awareness, responsive policy action, and improved media engagement with the climate crisis.