Climate Change and Press Freedom Fellowship 2026: Fully Paid CPJ Opportunity

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 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 group has helped free jailed reporters, pushed for justice against those who harm journalists, and fought for laws that protect free speech. CPJ also creates databases and reports on threats to the press.

Through its Climate Crisis Journalist Protection Initiative, CPJ now focuses more on dangers faced by reporters covering the environment and climate issues. This fellowship fits right into that effort.

Details of the Fellowship

This is a 12-month program on CPJ’s Global Advocacy team. The fellow will help build plans to keep journalists safe while they report on climate change, environmental harm, corruption, corporate actions, and human rights. You can work remotely or in a hybrid setup, as long as you are within six hours of US Eastern Time.

Main Responsibilities

The role includes several key tasks to support research and advocacy.

Research and Policy Analysis

You will do original research on how climate change affects press freedom. This means studying global trends and risks for environmental journalists. From there, you will create policy ideas and plans to address those risks.

Data and Landscape Analysis

Use CPJ’s database, which covers over 30 years of data. Look at threats across different regions. Spot patterns and decide where help is needed most.

Global Engagement

Run surveys with journalists around the world who cover the environment. Set up roundtables and meetings in various regions. Talk with newsrooms, civil society groups, and others who care about the issue.

Advocacy and Communication

Write reports, briefings, and articles. Help with public events and private meetings. Add to CPJ’s overall push for journalist safety.

Institutional Contribution

Build up CPJ’s knowledge on climate and press freedom. Help plan long-term ways to protect reporters.

Benefits of the Fellowship

The program comes with strong support for your work and growth.

Competitive Pay

You get an annual salary of $75,400, or the same value based on your location.

Flexible Work

Choose remote or hybrid work. It is open to people worldwide, with the time zone limit noted above.

Professional Growth

Join a top organization and learn about global advocacy. Gain skills in climate and press freedom topics.

Real Impact

Help protect journalists on key issues like climate change. Build experience in media, policy, or advocacy careers.

Who Can Apply

You need to meet these basics to qualify.

Required Qualifications

Have solid knowledge of press freedom, journalism, and climate change. Show experience with climate or environmental topics. Bring strong research, writing, and analytical skills, plus attention to detail.

Preferred Skills

It helps if you know about corruption, corporate accountability, or investigative reporting. Experience in global work is a plus. Speak English fluently; Spanish or French is even better. Know how to use Google Workspace.

Work Requirements

Be able to work alone or with a team. 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

Go to the CPJ careers page to submit your application. Use this link: Apply for the CPJ Fellowship.

Reasons to Apply

This chance lets you lead on press freedom efforts tied to climate change. Do important research, meet global leaders, and shape policies. It is a great step for careers in journalism, advocacy, or policy work.

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