CPJ Climate Press Freedom Fellowship 2026: Apply Now
Are you passionate about protecting journalists who report on climate change? The Climate Change and Press Freedom Fellowship 2026 offers a fully paid chance to make a real difference. Offered by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), this one-year program pays $75,400 or a market equivalent and welcomes applicants from around the world.
About the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)
CPJ started in 1981 as an independent nonprofit group. It works to defend journalists and support press freedom everywhere. The organization has helped free jailed reporters, pushed for justice against those who kill journalists, and fought for laws that protect free speech.
CPJ also keeps detailed records of press freedom problems. Now, through its Climate Crisis Journalist Protection Initiative, CPJ focuses on dangers faced by reporters covering climate change and the environment.
Details of the Fellowship
This 12-month fellowship places you on CPJ’s Global Advocacy team. You will help create plans to keep journalists safe while they report on climate change, environmental harm, corruption, corporate actions, and human rights.
The role mixes research, policy work, and teamwork. It lets you tackle big issues where media meets climate challenges.
Key Responsibilities
Fellows take on several main tasks. Each area builds skills in advocacy and protection.
Research and Policy Analysis
You will do new research on how climate change affects press freedom. Look at worldwide trends and risks for environmental reporters. Then, create policy ideas and plans to fight those risks.
Data and Landscape Analysis
Use CPJ’s database from over 30 years. Check threats to journalists across regions. Spot patterns and places that need help most.
Global Engagement
Run surveys with environmental journalists around the world. Set up roundtables and meetings by region. Talk with community groups, news teams, and advocates.
Advocacy and Communication
Write reports, briefings, and articles. Help with public and private events. Add to CPJ’s worldwide push for change.
Institutional Contribution
Build CPJ’s knowledge on climate and press freedom. Help plan long-term safety strategies for journalists.
Benefits of the Fellowship
The program comes with strong support for your work and growth.
Competitive Pay
Get an annual salary of $75,400, or the same value based on your location.
Flexible Work
Work remotely or in a hybrid setup. The job is open worldwide, as long as you can align with US Eastern Time by up to six hours.
Professional Growth
Join a top global group. Gain experience in international advocacy and policy. Build skills in climate and press freedom.
Real Impact
Help protect journalists on urgent issues. Shape work at the link between media and climate.
Who Can Apply
You need to match these basics to qualify.
Required Qualifications
Show strong knowledge of press freedom, journalism, and climate change. Have experience with climate or environmental topics. Bring top research and writing skills, plus sharp analysis and detail focus.
Preferred Skills
Extra points for work on corruption, corporate accountability, or investigative stories. Global or cross-region experience helps. Speak English well; Spanish or French is a plus. Know Google Workspace tools.
Work Requirements
Work well alone or in teams. Stay available within six hours of US Eastern Time.
Application Timeline
The deadline is April 12, 2026. The fellowship lasts 12 months. Apply soon, as spots fill fast.
How to Apply
Send your application through CPJ’s careers site: Apply for the CPJ Fellowship.
Reasons to Apply
This role puts you at the front of press freedom work. Do key research on climate risks to reporters. Connect with leaders and decision-makers worldwide. Grow your path in advocacy, journalism, or policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Climate Change and Press Freedom Fellowship?
It’s a 12-month program by CPJ that places fellows on the Global Advocacy team to protect journalists reporting on climate change.
What salary does the fellowship offer?
The annual salary is $75,400 or a market equivalent based on your location.
What qualifications are needed to apply?
You need strong knowledge of press freedom, journalism, and climate change, plus excellent research and writing skills.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline is April 12, 2026; apply soon through CPJ’s careers site as spots fill fast.