In more than 20 articles over the past year, a team of New York Times reporters and editors have detailed many of the intersections between energy policy and the environment.
It's a tough issue to cover since it doesn't fit neatly any single traditional news beat. In fact, it spans many beats including science, the environment, business, regulatory agencies, and political news. Energy issues are also very technical, and frankly, while extremely important, can also be pretty boring. So for reporters who have to dramatize any issue to sustain reader attention, energy might be one of the toughest challenges.
Moreover, when it comes to quality reporting, specialization is essential. I imagine that the energy series forced many Times reporters and editors to dig into new areas of research, policy, and economics, developing new sources and knowledge that helped them contextualize issues and vet competing claims.
The hard work seems to have paid off in a big way. Once again the NY Times is setting the trend for other media organizations when it comes to innovative science reporting. No other media outlet really comes close. There's a case to be made, considering the importance of energy policy and the challenges in covering it, that this might be some of the best journalism of 2006. Period.
And it gets even better. I'm hearing that the series is continuing and expanding in 2007, a rare thing for a newspaper, in a field where everything is yearlong and aimed at this prize or that prize. Apparently, from what I'm hearing, the focus on energy/environment is now the new normal for the NY Times. Here's hoping that other media organizations like the Washington Post and Los Angeles Times follow the Times lead.
You don't want to miss out on reading the year long series, and there is even a chance to weigh in with your thoughts. In a very smart move to attract more readers and generate buzz for the series, the Times is sponsoring a special Web forum. Several of the project's writers, including David Barboza, Felicity Barringer, Keith Bradsher, and Andrew C. Revkin, will respond to questions and comments posted through Thursday of this week So far, more than 400 comments have been posted from readers.
Finally, here's an interesting and relevant aside. Click on this link for a google image search on "energy policy." Notice that many of the top hits are political cartoons. It's an indication that this is a tough story to dramatize. For one reason, the term itself "energy policy" has no easily defined meaning. And second, it's maybe the toughest thing to put into visuals and pictures. Political cartoonists have it easy. They make up their own pictures, and their medium is tailor made to take any issue, no matter how complex, and just focus on the conflict and personalities involved. While opinion page pundits and some political reporters might have similar license, science reporters don't.
Comments
A very cool video on the late Marie Tharp over at the Times.
Posted by: John Colper | December 30, 2006 12:23 PM
MANDATORY RENEWABLE ENERGY – THE ENERGY EVOLUTION –R2
In order to insure energy and economic independence as well as better economic growth without being blackmailed by foreign countries, our country, the United States of America’s Utilization of Energy sources must change.
"Energy drives our entire economy." We must protect it. "Let's face it, without energy the whole economy and economic society we have set up would come to a halt. So you want to have control over such an important resource that you need for your society and your economy."
Our continued dependence on fossil fuels could and will lead to catastrophic consequences.
The federal, state and local government should implement a mandatory renewable energy installation program for residential and commercial property on new construction and remodeling projects with the use of energy efficient material, mechanical systems, appliances, lighting, etc. The source of energy must by renewable energy such as Solar-Photovoltaic, Geothermal, Wind, Biofuels, etc. including utilizing water from lakes, rivers and oceans to circulate in cooling towers to produce air conditioning and the utilization of proper landscaping to reduce energy consumption.
The implementation could be done on a gradual scale over the next 10 years. At the end of the 10 year period all construction and energy use in the structures throughout the United States must be 100% powered by renewable energy.
In addition, the governments must impose laws, rules and regulations whereby the utility companies must comply with a fair “NET METERING” (the buying of excess generation from the consumer), including the promotion of research and production of “renewable energy technology” with various long term incentives and grants. The various foundations in existence should be used to contribute to this cause.
A mandatory time table should also be established for the automobile industry to gradually produce an automobile powered by renewable energy. The American automobile industry is surely capable of accomplishing this task.
This is a way to expedite our energy independence and economic growth. It will take maximum effort and a relentless pursuit of the private, commercial and industrial government sectors commitment to renewable energy – energy generation (wind, solar, hydro, biofuels, geothermal, energy storage (fuel cells, advance batteries), energy infrastructure (management, transmission) and energy efficiency (lighting, sensors, automation, conservation) in order to achieve our energy independence.
Jay Draiman
Northridge, CA. 91325
12-30-2006
P.S. I have a very deep belief in America's capabilities. Within the next 10 years we can accomplish our energy independence, if we as a nation truly set our goals to accomplish this.
I happen to believe that we can do it. In another crisis--the one in 1942--President Franklin D. Roosevelt said this country would build 60,000 [50,000] military aircraft. By 1943, production in that program had reached 125,000 aircraft annually. They did it then. We can do it now.
The American people resilience and determination to retain the way of life is unconquerable and we as a nation will succeed in this endeavor of Energy Independence.
Posted by: Jay Draiman | December 30, 2006 10:00 PM