Highlights from Evading Attention in the Year 2020
In the world of environmental journalism, Yessenia Funes, climate editor of Atmos, stands out for her focus on environmental justice. Her latest curation, The Frontline newsletter, showcases some of the best stories published by Atmos this year, shining a light on issues that go beyond calculations of polluted water or air and delve deeper into the heart of who we are as a people.
One of the stories highlighted is "Living Legacy" by Rachel Cargle, a heartfelt celebration of Black joy and horsemanship, beautifully captured by Ivan McClellan's photographs. Another captivating read is "Fierce Life: Maria do Socorro Silva", a profile of an Indigenous woman in the Amazon Rainforest who bravely faces abuse from the extractive industry and fights for climate justice.
The stories selected by Funes also include "The Secret to Saving Asian Elephants? Oranges", an exploration of a surprising solution to manage elephant populations in Sri Lanka due to habitat loss. Another compelling tale is "Grandmother Moon" by Ruth H. Hopkins, a Sacred Ecology column discussing the potential complications of reaching the moon to extract its resources and the dangers of Western society's obsession with colonizing it.
"After The Fire: A Journey Through Yuin Country", written by Amanda Jane Reynolds with photographs by Tim Georgeson, offers a rich telling of Aboriginal and Indigenous history in Australia and the impact of the ongoing wildfires on these communities. The story ends with a moving poem, adding a poignant touch to the narrative.
"Toxic Waters" is another story that sheds light on the impact of pollution on communities, particularly in areas where there is a lack of access to clean water. The story "A Mother's Love", featuring Ceyenne Doroshow, a Black trans woman, shares her experiences with addiction, motherhood, and valuable lessons for the environmental movement.
These stories, among others, can be found online by following the provided links. They are published in various issues of Atmos, including Atmos Volume 04: Cascade, and are a testament to the publication's long-standing commitment to critical stories on race and the environment.
Funes' work is recognised for its emphasis on humanising those most impacted by climate disasters, aligning with her mission to bring attention to the intersection of environmental crises and issues like colonialism. For a more comprehensive list of the exact stories from 2020 chosen by Funes, it may be necessary to consult the original Atmos 2020 archives or their editorial communications directly.
- Yessenia Funes, the climate editor of Atmos, is renowned for her emphasis on environmental justice in her work.
- The Frontline newsletter, her latest curation, showcases stories that delve deeper into issues of race and the environment.
- One of the stories highlighted in the newsletter is "Living Legacy" by Rachel Cargle, showcasing Black joy and horsemanship.
- Another captivating read is "Fierce Life: Maria do Socorro Silva", a profile of an Indigenous woman fighting for climate justice in the Amazon Rainforest.
- Funes' selection also includes "The Secret to Saving Asian Elephants? Oranges", an exploration of a solution to manage elephant populations due to habitat loss.
- Besides these, readers can find stories on topics such as Aboriginal and Indigenous history in Australia, the impact of pollution on communities, and the intersection of environmental crises and issues like colonialism in various issues of Atmos.
