The Sacramento Bee funds community-led climate solutions projects

In California’s capital, The Sacramento Bee, the largest local legacy newspaper, has been pursuing coverage of local climate solutions since the spring of 2023. In December of that year, the publication initiated a highly original community engagement approach by giving three $5,000 grants to local groups eager to develop an array of initiatives across the region. Fast-forward six months, and The Bee’s reporters produced stories on pollinator gardens developed in schools by students, a school compost program that could nurture a garden and a new agricultural program based on the principles of regenerative agriculture. Emilie Stigliani, The Bee’s assistant managing editor, said the “goal was to engage [supporters of the project]” and “explore how climate intersects with beats across the newsroom.”