I wrote a column a few weeks ago about the rapid decline of science coverage in the media-a decline partially related to declining profits in print journalism, and partially related to the decline in prestige associated with science since the Cold War ended. I was thus saddened to see on March 1 that The New York Times is shuttering its Green blog, which focused specifically on issues of energy and the environment. From now on, content on these topics will be split between their Bits blog, focusing on technology, and their Caucus blog, focusing on policy.
I have no doubt that The New York Times will continue covering these topics in print and online, but closing the Green blog sends the message that energy and the environment are low priorities for the Times. Having a blog and staff writers dedicated to covering energy and the environment generates the mindset that there is important information that needs to be deeply explored, mined, and conveyed to the public, since the strength of a dedicated Green unit is in the ability of its writers to easily exchange focus-specific ideas. With a team of writers scattered in different departments, with different deadlines and demands, it is likely that this kind of deep exploration that produced such series as A Watery Crossroads, on the disruption of the Mekong River ecosystem by hydroelectric projects, and Temperature Rising, examining the scientific and policy consequences of global warming, will no longer have a home.
One can hope that the elimination of the Green blog is only a one-time event for a newspaper of such repute as The New York Times-but more likely and regrettably, it is only one step in a larger trend of the media following the profits rather than the stories.
Photo Credit: NY Senate