The journey and their findings have been captured in a mini documentary that showcases the news brands’ developing reputation for environmental reporting.
Teams from The Press and Journal and The Courier journeyed through their circulation areas in the north East of Scotland from October 20th – 29th, reporting on what the climate emergency means to local audiences.
Participants included a heavy metal and electric vehicle loving reverend in Inverness, and a young Dundonian who has decided not to have children due to worries of the climate crisis.
Journalists on the trip included The Press and Journal’s Kieran Beattie and Philippa Gerrard. Scott Milne and Aileen Robertson took part on behalf of The Courier, and photographers and videographers Jason Hedges, Kim Cessford and Blair Dingwall also worked on the project.
Together, they reported on some of the potential solutions to climate problems, investigating peatland restoration and reforestation.
The team spoke to some of Scotland’s leading experts on how to hit net zero, including a professor in Scotland’s largest peat bog in Caithness and protestors at the gates of the petrochemical plant Mossmorran in Fife.
The journey ended in Glasgow where the teams reported their findings to Patrick Harvie, Scottish Government minister of Zero Carbon Buildings and co-leader of the Scottish Greens.
Kieran Beattie, Environmental Journalist for The Press and Journal, said: “It’s an experience I’m never going to forget.
“We began with low expectations over how engaged people would be about the climate crisis. But we soon discovered people were switched on to the problems wherever we visited and had plenty to say.”
Video journalist Blair Dingwall, who works for both The Courier and The Press and Journal, added: “We’ve worked really hard to capture the road trip. It was a great way to bring this crucial issue to life in a new and interesting way.
"It was an ambitious piece of work, and it was great to watch the journalists throw themselves into it.?
“I marched up hills to watch our writers plant trees. I followed them into peat bogs, wildlife enclosures, harbours and hillsides.
"But most of all it was a pleasure to keep the camera rolling as people all over the country shared their hopes and fears on the climate crisis during such a key moment."
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