Scientists assert that Earth is experiencing its highest temperatures in at least 125,000 years, but global news coverage of climate change has significantly declined. Since its peak in 2021, such coverage has dropped by 38%, as reported by the University of Colorado Boulder’s Media and Climate Change Observatory. This dip began during the COVID-19 pandemic and has accelerated with various global events dominating media attention.
Journalists are often occupied with other pressing issues, like analyzing Epstein files, rather than focusing on urgent climate science updates. Despite this, notable findings continue to emerge, such as underestimated sea level rise estimates and the faster pace of global warming.
In 2025, U.S. broadcast networks reduced climate coverage by 35% compared to the previous year, according to Media Matters. Allison Fisher, from the climate and energy program at the nonprofit, noted that the competing priorities and strategies make it difficult for non-urgent topics to gain traction. Less media attention can result in decreased public enthusiasm for climate-related protests and policy changes, according to Anthony Leiserowitz from the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication.
Journalists’ decisions on coverage influence both public and policymaker perceptions. Mark Hertsgaard of Covering Climate Now emphasized that failing to report on climate change can lead the public to underestimate its importance. Major U.S. newspapers have also reduced climate-related articles, with The New York Times publishing 66% fewer articles in January 2023 compared to its peak in October 2021.
The decline in media coverage is reflected in public awareness. Data from the Yale Program shows that only 17% of Americans heard about global warming weekly by December 2025, down from 35% in 2022. Historically, U.S. media have underreported climate issues, according to Hertsgaard, although coverage increased around 2019 due to global youth activism and the introduction of climate-focused political initiatives like the Green New Deal.
Media coverage rose again post-COVID as global policies addressed emissions, highlighted by President Biden’s 2022 climate law. However, interest waned as climate legislation reduced perceived urgency. In 2025, global climate coverage dropped another 14%, notably in the U.S., amidst a ‘climate hushing’ effect during President Trump’s tenure.
Businesses and politicians have become less vocal about climate commitments, partly due to pressure from the Trump administration. Media outlets have faced threats, such as cuts to public broadcasting funding and potential license revocations for unfavorable coverage. This atmosphere may deter corporate media owners from challenging the administration’s stance on climate change.
Fisher highlighted the absence of coverage on the administration’s rollback of climate policies and the disconnect between extreme weather and climate change in major networks. CBS, once a leader in climate coverage, shifted focus following a leadership change and corporate mergers.
Industry-wide layoffs have affected climate reporting teams, with The Washington Post recently downsizing its climate staff. Max Boykoff from the University of Colorado Boulder suggests that perceived ‘climate fatigue’ among the public might influence editorial decisions to prioritize other topics.
While climate change remains a lower priority for U.S. voters, many still support government action on the issue. Surveys indicate that a significant portion of the global population desires stronger climate action. Outlets like The Guardian and France Télévisions have successfully integrated climate content to boost engagement and revenues.
Despite challenges, experts like Leiserowitz believe public awareness of climate issues remains. The media’s reduced focus does not erase prior knowledge of the climate crisis.
Original Story at insideclimatenews.org