On Eco WURD Media Matters Climate and Energy Senior Researcher Evlondo Cooper unpacks a growing concern that many listeners are starting to feel but cannot always name. Climate change and environmental justice are no longer front and center in mainstream media, and that silence is creating real consequences for everyday people.
While communities are dealing with rising costs, pollution, and extreme weather, the coverage is not matching the urgency. Cooper pointed out that with major political shifts and policy rollbacks, climate coverage on major broadcast networks has dropped in both quality and quantity. This creates a gap, especially for urban communities that are often hit first and worst.
When powerful interests control media platforms and algorithms, the stories that matter most to the people can get buried. Climate justice is not just about polar ice caps. It is about air quality, access to water, energy bills, and the conditions people live in every day.
One of the most pressing concerns raised during the interview was the growing impact of artificial intelligence and data centers. These systems require massive resources, including water and energy, and are often placed in vulnerable communities. At the same time, misinformation spreads faster than ever, making it harder for people to know what is real and what is not.
As Cooper explained, “the media landscape entering 2026 is pretty dire.” That reality makes independent and community based platforms like Eco WURD even more important. These spaces are helping to fill the gap by delivering information that is rooted in truth and directly connected to the community.
At its core, this conversation is about access, awareness, and accountability. When people are informed, they are empowered to act!
