Question 1

What kinds of content can members contribute?

Accepted Answer

Members contribute written articles (investigative journalism, features, profiles), photo essays, and original artwork and illustrations. Past issues have included long-form reporting, opinion pieces, and multimedia photo narratives covering local Bay Area environmental topics.

Question 2

Who founded The Environmentalist and what was the vision?

Accepted Answer

Two UC Berkeley students, Jeana and Jemma, started the magazine after bonding over environmental journalism and the outdoors. They launched it on April 14, 2024, with the goal of bringing environmental journalism to the UC Berkeley campus.

Question 3

What topics does the magazine actually cover?

Accepted Answer

Coverage spans local Bay Area issues like toxic waste sites, air pollution in West Oakland, Berkeley's water infrastructure, and invasive species, alongside broader policy topics like federal environmental rollbacks, offshore drilling, and climate justice in marginalized communities.

Question 4

Does the magazine focus only on Berkeley, or does it cover wider topics?

Accepted Answer

The magazine covers both local Berkeley and Bay Area issues and larger state and national environmental policy questions. Issues have included stories set in Richmond, West Oakland, Point Reyes, San Francisco, and beyond, while also covering federal climate policy.

Question 5

Do you need to be a journalist or writer to join?

Accepted Answer

No. The magazine features work from writers, photographers, and visual artists. Past issues include original illustrations and photo essays alongside written articles, so contributors with design or photography backgrounds are also part of the team.