|
Rhett Butler
Rhett Butler is founder and editor of Mongabay.com, a conservation news web site with a focus on tropical forests. His tight focus on tropical forest issues has made it possible for him to be more than just a reporter; he's an expert. As a more general environmental reporter, I frequently turn to Rhett's articles to educate myself before wading into a story on carbon, forestry, or the UN climate treaty. His articles are long, rich, and detailed -- real primers. They are frequently accompanied by photos, graphs, or charts that visually illustrate the data he's discussing. But he's not just a feature writer. He is also clearly tapped into key sources. Many times when I read news on forest issues, I'm greeted by his byline. Since first traveling to Guyana in the fall of 2008 and beginning to report on that country's efforts in the international climate negotiations, I created a Google alert to notify me daily about article on Guyana. Rhett often seems to know things first. Many stories on Mongabay have no byline, and I suspect they are Rhett's work as well. Here are just a few (with byline) that I really liked:
How to save the Amazon rainforest Big REDD for Washington Monthly Roads are enablers of rainforest destruction The real strength of these articles is the depth and breadth of his knowledge of forestry issues. As the world has begun to sit up and notice forest issues because of climate change, Rhett is already there, on the beat, educating us all. Thank you for considering Rhett Butler of Mongabay.com as Climate Communicator of the year. Erica Gies |
 |
We conduct public engagement and behavior change research to improve climate change communication and social marketing programs. |