As Down to Earth enters its fourth year, the urgency surrounding the global biodiversity crisis has never been clearer. When we launched this project in 2021, our goal was clear: to bring complex issues around biodiversity to the public eye in a way that was accessible and compelling.
Since then, we have threatened the natural world, from deforestation and habitat destruction to the cascading effects of climate change. Our reporting has been featured by the National Climate Desk Collaboration, shared by popular national radio and broadcast programs, and quoted In the government Report That helps inform policy. Vox is one of the few mainstream newsrooms in the country committed to covering biodiversity. Along the way, we have demonstrated the wonders of nature — its complexity, vibrancy, and immense value — where biodiversity is not only a concern for ecologists; It is something that affects each and every one of us.
In the years since we launched Down to Earth, the biodiversity crisis has deepened. More than a million species are facing extinction, ecosystems like the Amazon rainforest are being destroyed and Climate change is playing an increasingly dominant role Biodiversity decline. The need for informed conversation and urgent action has never been more pressing. Protecting biodiversity is not just about saving our beloved animals and plants; It is about securing the foundations of human life – our food, water, medicine and climate stability. The need for robust, thoughtful and accessible reporting on these issues is clearer than ever.
This year, we are excited to build our coverage. We’ll tell stories that explore big ideas in the environmental movement; Spark wonder and celebrate the incredible species with which we share the planet; connect news and emerging research with real-world stakes; and explain how animals and ecosystems are changing due to human influence.
At Down to Earth, our mission is to make biodiversity more mainstream — and make it a central part of the conversations we’re all having about the future of our planet. We believe that the natural world does not have to be difficult or frustrating to understand. That’s why we approach each story with the same down-to-earth, approachable and conversational style that Vox is known for. Whether we dive into complex scientific research or tell the stories of species and ecosystems most at risk, we want you to feel like you’re with us, learning and exploring together. We’re here to make this conversation as interesting and accessible as it needs to be
With support from the BAND Foundation, we’re set to explore conservation’s most pressing questions, with environmental correspondent Benji Jones expertly leading the charge. We’ll also feature contributions from a diverse range of freelance writers, bringing fresh perspectives and stories.
In the next chapter of our Down to Earth series, you’ll find stories that not only inform, but inspire action. From the unsung heroes of the natural world — the enigmatic species that provide essential services to humanity — to the big-picture investigations of predator recovery and the environmental policy decisions that shape our future, we’re committed to giving you the full picture.
As we move forward, our goal remains the same: to help you understand why biodiversity matters—why it’s worth protecting—and to connect the dots between the natural world and the larger, urgent challenges facing humanity. The crisis is real, but with awareness, action and engagement, we can still save a lot.
