• by Ray Schultz , Columnist, November 19, 2024

Climate is an important topic for Latino readers in the U.S. But most coverage of the issue focuses on state, national or international climate news instead of local, judging by “Localizing (or not) climate change in Spanish-language newspapers in the United States.” 

In this, the coverage mirrors that of the English-language mainstream media. And it may not be adequately serving its audience despite the fact that 81% of Latinos stated that climate change was either their top concern or one of them. 

“Hispanic/Latinx/Latino/a1 populations are disproportionately at risk from climate change impacts (especially extreme temperatures) in part because they have high participation in weather-exposed industries, such as construction and agriculture,” the study states.  

Case in point: about 80% of farm workers in the United States identify as Hispanic. “They are at risk of heat waves and other extreme weather associated with climate change,” the study notes. “Many also live in areas with the highest projected reductions in labor hours due to extreme temperatures. Similarly, Hispanics are more likely than other groups to live in areas that will be impacted with the highest estimated increases in traffic delays due to increases in coastal flooding, directly impacting their livelihoods, health, and economic opportunities.”

The stories analyzed “largely focused on three themes: climate-related impacts; mitigation and adaptation solutions; and policy proposals and political discussions,” the study states. And while they were published by local news outlets, most were focused on the state, national, or international level, suggesting a “significant information gap for millions of immigrants.” 

It is not clear whether this is due to neglect or the lack of resources that affects local news outlets in general. But it is a missed opportunity.

The study was written by Bruno Takahashi, of the School of Journalism at Michigan State University, and María Fernanda Salas Escuela de Periodismo, Universidad de Costa Rica. The report was first covered by NiemanLab.