Escalating health and climate crises mean all journalists must now know the science behind the story

Reporters used to dealing with elections and wars are suddenly finding themselves being called upon to understand the intricacies of subjects never studied before, writes Borzou Daragahi

The recent outbreak of coronavirus across the world has forced us all to become quick studies on epidemiology (AFP)

Over the past year or so, I have attended a workshop on climate change journalism in The Hague and another week-long training on reporting about nuclear technology and weapons in Vienna.

Both the effects of rising temperatures on our planet and the mechanics of nuclear science are highly technical subjects. Before we as journalists explain to readers the effects of drought on the Middle East or the Sahel, or the finer points of what it means that Iran is spinning 300 vs 1,000 centrifuges, we want to make sure we have a rudimentary understanding of the science.

Certainly we can also just rely on experts when we’re reporting on a topic beyond our own areas of expertise, which for international correspondents tend to include the political and social dynamics of the nations we’re covering.