Annika McGinnis
@annikamcginnis.bsky.social
Environmental data journalist
Reposted by Annika McGinnis
Illegal, unregulated fishing is devastating East Africa's lakes from Tanzania to DRC. Weak enforcement & corruption cripple communities on Lake Victoria.
The story series exposes the crisis & demands action.
#CaughtInCrisis
Read now: 👇
url-shortener.me/6VAW
The story series exposes the crisis & demands action.
#CaughtInCrisis
Read now: 👇
url-shortener.me/6VAW
January 8, 2026 at 8:39 AM
Illegal, unregulated fishing is devastating East Africa's lakes from Tanzania to DRC. Weak enforcement & corruption cripple communities on Lake Victoria.
The story series exposes the crisis & demands action.
#CaughtInCrisis
Read now: 👇
url-shortener.me/6VAW
The story series exposes the crisis & demands action.
#CaughtInCrisis
Read now: 👇
url-shortener.me/6VAW
Reposted by Annika McGinnis
From DRC’s forests to Nairobi’s high-end furniture shops. At the Kasindi border, trucks face unofficial fees/bribes before loading.
Experts warn that porous borders & language barriers complicate efforts to verify documents.
Read more 👇
bit.ly/3MBaIy9
Experts warn that porous borders & language barriers complicate efforts to verify documents.
Read more 👇
bit.ly/3MBaIy9
December 22, 2025 at 7:28 AM
From DRC’s forests to Nairobi’s high-end furniture shops. At the Kasindi border, trucks face unofficial fees/bribes before loading.
Experts warn that porous borders & language barriers complicate efforts to verify documents.
Read more 👇
bit.ly/3MBaIy9
Experts warn that porous borders & language barriers complicate efforts to verify documents.
Read more 👇
bit.ly/3MBaIy9
Reposted by Annika McGinnis
Despite logging bans in DRC, illegal timber from its protected forests is quietly powering Rwanda’s booming wood market.
Fueled by corruption & conflict, this trade threatens Congo’s rainforests, and the future for climate, wildlife & communities.
bit.ly/447W1J3
Fueled by corruption & conflict, this trade threatens Congo’s rainforests, and the future for climate, wildlife & communities.
bit.ly/447W1J3
November 4, 2025 at 8:04 AM
Despite logging bans in DRC, illegal timber from its protected forests is quietly powering Rwanda’s booming wood market.
Fueled by corruption & conflict, this trade threatens Congo’s rainforests, and the future for climate, wildlife & communities.
bit.ly/447W1J3
Fueled by corruption & conflict, this trade threatens Congo’s rainforests, and the future for climate, wildlife & communities.
bit.ly/447W1J3
Reposted by Annika McGinnis
Mapping;
As a data storyteller, I am working on a project that needs mapping with the help of my mentor @annikamcginnis.bsky.social I am slowing learning how to use QGIS.
#Datajournalism #DataViz
As a data storyteller, I am working on a project that needs mapping with the help of my mentor @annikamcginnis.bsky.social I am slowing learning how to use QGIS.
#Datajournalism #DataViz
September 29, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Mapping;
As a data storyteller, I am working on a project that needs mapping with the help of my mentor @annikamcginnis.bsky.social I am slowing learning how to use QGIS.
#Datajournalism #DataViz
As a data storyteller, I am working on a project that needs mapping with the help of my mentor @annikamcginnis.bsky.social I am slowing learning how to use QGIS.
#Datajournalism #DataViz
NYC is replacing green spaces with plastic. Last year, I spent months reporting this data-driven story on the city's rising investments in #SyntheticTurf, which contains chemicals linked to cancer and worsens heat islands & pollution. Read on Columbia News: columbianewsservice.com/2025/04/17/c...
City Swaps Soil for Synthetic as Green Space Gets Less Green - Columbia News Service
The City Parks Department has over 35 artificial turf projects under planning or construction in city parks and playgrounds.
columbianewsservice.com
April 30, 2025 at 9:52 PM
NYC is replacing green spaces with plastic. Last year, I spent months reporting this data-driven story on the city's rising investments in #SyntheticTurf, which contains chemicals linked to cancer and worsens heat islands & pollution. Read on Columbia News: columbianewsservice.com/2025/04/17/c...
Reposted by Annika McGinnis
Two decades ago, Kagera’s springs flowed freely. Now, climate change & deforestation have left communities struggling for water. Over 70% of the rural Nile Basin relies on groundwater. Despite efforts, access to clean water remains a challenge. Full story➡️ bit.ly/4boZ55E
March 6, 2025 at 5:34 AM
Two decades ago, Kagera’s springs flowed freely. Now, climate change & deforestation have left communities struggling for water. Over 70% of the rural Nile Basin relies on groundwater. Despite efforts, access to clean water remains a challenge. Full story➡️ bit.ly/4boZ55E
Reposted by Annika McGinnis
We’re thrilled to introduce the 2nd cohort of the Youth Water Activists Program. Youth activists from the Nile Basin countries who are equipped to amplify water-related science, engage communities, and inspire collective action on water conservation & pollution prevention. #YouthActivism
February 19, 2025 at 6:21 AM
We’re thrilled to introduce the 2nd cohort of the Youth Water Activists Program. Youth activists from the Nile Basin countries who are equipped to amplify water-related science, engage communities, and inspire collective action on water conservation & pollution prevention. #YouthActivism
Reposted by Annika McGinnis
The National Science Foundation's funding freeze, and wider confusion about the status and future of science funding, is already hampering research.
National Science Foundation freezes payments in response to Trump's executive actions
The National Science Foundation's funding freeze, and wider confusion about the status and future of science funding, is already hampering research.
www.npr.org
January 31, 2025 at 9:36 PM
The National Science Foundation's funding freeze, and wider confusion about the status and future of science funding, is already hampering research.
Reposted by Annika McGinnis
Just, um... yeah. "The White House referred ProPublica to the State Department. The State Department said to direct all questions about USAID to the agency itself. USAID did not reply to our emails. Much of its communications staff was let go in the last week."
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
“People Will Die”: The Trump Administration Said It Lifted Its Ban on Lifesaving Humanitarian Aid. That’s Not True.
Organizations that provide vital care for desperate and vulnerable people around the world have been forced to halt operations, turn away patients and lay off staff. “I’ve never seen anything that sca...
www.propublica.org
January 31, 2025 at 8:54 PM
Just, um... yeah. "The White House referred ProPublica to the State Department. The State Department said to direct all questions about USAID to the agency itself. USAID did not reply to our emails. Much of its communications staff was let go in the last week."
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
Reposted by Annika McGinnis
Trump orders USDA to take down websites referencing climate crisis
Trump orders USDA to take down websites referencing climate crisis
Websites offer only error messages on Thursday after president demands agriculture department shutter sites
On Thursday, the Trump administration ordered the US agriculture department to remove its websites documenting or referencing the climate crisis.…
www.theguardian.com
January 31, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Trump orders USDA to take down websites referencing climate crisis
Reposted by Annika McGinnis
Lake Tana is home to 28 fish species and contributes water to over 200 million people across three countries. However, it's biodiversity is under threat due to several factors like overfishing, join us this coming #SciWednesdays for a candid discussion: ➡️🔗https://bit.ly/40UbTgN
January 29, 2025 at 9:14 AM
Lake Tana is home to 28 fish species and contributes water to over 200 million people across three countries. However, it's biodiversity is under threat due to several factors like overfishing, join us this coming #SciWednesdays for a candid discussion: ➡️🔗https://bit.ly/40UbTgN
Reposted by Annika McGinnis
President Biden is expected to permanently ban new oil and gas drilling in large sections of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, as well as other federal waters. The move relies on a 70-year-old law that could make it difficult for the Trump administration to reverse it.
Biden Expected to Permanently Ban Oil Drilling in Some Federal Waters
The move, expected as early as Monday, relies on a 70-year-old law that could make it difficult for the Trump administration to reverse it.
www.nytimes.com
January 2, 2025 at 10:35 PM
President Biden is expected to permanently ban new oil and gas drilling in large sections of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, as well as other federal waters. The move relies on a 70-year-old law that could make it difficult for the Trump administration to reverse it.
Reposted by Annika McGinnis
Latin America’s feline species are losing their habitat and becoming trapped in small patches - this among various other threats means that many cats could be on the path to extinction.
Researchers say biological corridors are vital for their conservation.
Read more:
Researchers say biological corridors are vital for their conservation.
Read more:
Conservation corridors provide hope for Latin America’s felines
The jaguar moves between patches of forest in the Mesoamerican Corridor across Central America. Meanwhile, the majestic Colombian Massif still serves as a refuge for the oncilla, while the puma silent...
news.mongabay.com
January 2, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Latin America’s feline species are losing their habitat and becoming trapped in small patches - this among various other threats means that many cats could be on the path to extinction.
Researchers say biological corridors are vital for their conservation.
Read more:
Researchers say biological corridors are vital for their conservation.
Read more:
Reposted by Annika McGinnis
Gorgeous, haunting, eye-opening: Here is ProPublica's year in visual storytelling.
I look forward to it every year.
Best viewed on larger screen! And take your time.
www.propublica.org/article/prop...
I look forward to it every year.
Best viewed on larger screen! And take your time.
www.propublica.org/article/prop...
ProPublica’s Year in Photos and Video for 2024
See the photography, illustration, graphics and filmmaking that brought ProPublica’s journalism to life and helped hold power to account in 2024.
www.propublica.org
December 31, 2024 at 1:59 PM
Gorgeous, haunting, eye-opening: Here is ProPublica's year in visual storytelling.
I look forward to it every year.
Best viewed on larger screen! And take your time.
www.propublica.org/article/prop...
I look forward to it every year.
Best viewed on larger screen! And take your time.
www.propublica.org/article/prop...
Reposted by Annika McGinnis
Major report by @ipbes.bsky.social found that Climate change, nature loss and food insecurity are all inextricably linked and that governments are ignoring links between five key areas - biodiversity, water, food, health and climate change. www.bbc.com/news/article...
IPBES report sees climate, nature and food challenges interlinked
A new approach is needed to tackle the interlinked crises afflicting the planet, scientists warn.
www.bbc.com
December 20, 2024 at 12:00 AM
Major report by @ipbes.bsky.social found that Climate change, nature loss and food insecurity are all inextricably linked and that governments are ignoring links between five key areas - biodiversity, water, food, health and climate change. www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Annika McGinnis
As the planet warms, insurance companies are dropping homeowners in communities they deem too dangerous because of wildfires, hurricanes and other threats. Now, for the first time, the scale of that pullback is becoming public. nyti.ms/41EOpNc
December 18, 2024 at 7:35 PM
As the planet warms, insurance companies are dropping homeowners in communities they deem too dangerous because of wildfires, hurricanes and other threats. Now, for the first time, the scale of that pullback is becoming public. nyti.ms/41EOpNc
Reposted by Annika McGinnis
The Pulitzer Center’s ‘2024: A Year in Stories’ features underreported information and artificial intelligence stories on obscure algorithms, climate misinformation, and more.
Check out the #PulitzerStaffPicks selection!
👉 bit.ly/2024YISpc
Check out the #PulitzerStaffPicks selection!
👉 bit.ly/2024YISpc
December 13, 2024 at 8:12 PM
The Pulitzer Center’s ‘2024: A Year in Stories’ features underreported information and artificial intelligence stories on obscure algorithms, climate misinformation, and more.
Check out the #PulitzerStaffPicks selection!
👉 bit.ly/2024YISpc
Check out the #PulitzerStaffPicks selection!
👉 bit.ly/2024YISpc
Reposted by Annika McGinnis
I’m thrilled to share that our project, Amazon Underworld, has been shortlisted for 'Outstanding Investigative Reporting' at the Fetisov Journalism Awards! 🐍🍃🦥
Congratulations to our incredible team La Liga Contra el Silencio, Armando Info, @infoamazonia.org and @pulitzercenter.bsky.social
Congratulations to our incredible team La Liga Contra el Silencio, Armando Info, @infoamazonia.org and @pulitzercenter.bsky.social
Fetisov Journalism Awards
fjawards.com
December 15, 2024 at 7:23 PM
I’m thrilled to share that our project, Amazon Underworld, has been shortlisted for 'Outstanding Investigative Reporting' at the Fetisov Journalism Awards! 🐍🍃🦥
Congratulations to our incredible team La Liga Contra el Silencio, Armando Info, @infoamazonia.org and @pulitzercenter.bsky.social
Congratulations to our incredible team La Liga Contra el Silencio, Armando Info, @infoamazonia.org and @pulitzercenter.bsky.social
Reposted by Annika McGinnis
At Uganda's Masese Landing Site, porters like George Kafuko endure harsh conditions, carrying heavy loads in unsafe environments for low pay. Despite their struggles, they are essential to the local economy's survival. Full story: bit.ly/4fTa0W4
#EverydayNile
November 18, 2024 at 6:54 AM
At Uganda's Masese Landing Site, porters like George Kafuko endure harsh conditions, carrying heavy loads in unsafe environments for low pay. Despite their struggles, they are essential to the local economy's survival. Full story: bit.ly/4fTa0W4
#EverydayNile
Reposted by Annika McGinnis
‘It shouldn’t be that easy’: inside the illegal wildlife trade booming on social media
‘It shouldn’t be that easy’: inside the illegal wildlife trade booming on social media
Social media sites have become crucial tools for the sale of endangered species and platforms should do more to combat it, say experts
When the baby parrots were delivered to Alice Soares de Oliveira’s desk they had no feathers and could barely open…
www.theguardian.com
December 9, 2024 at 5:11 AM
‘It shouldn’t be that easy’: inside the illegal wildlife trade booming on social media
Reposted by Annika McGinnis
Mining lithium, nickel, and other materials needed for electronic device components has devastating consequences on environments and workers around the world. Meanwhile, less than 1 in 5 cellphones are recycled each year.
By @vincebeiser.bsky.social for @time-magazine.bsky.social. bit.ly/3B4z7GV
By @vincebeiser.bsky.social for @time-magazine.bsky.social. bit.ly/3B4z7GV
The True Cost of Black Friday
If you’re one of the millions of Americans aiming to score a new cell phone, cordless drill, or other gadget this Black Friday or Cyber Monday, you might want to consider the real costs of that sale.....
bit.ly
December 8, 2024 at 4:44 PM
Mining lithium, nickel, and other materials needed for electronic device components has devastating consequences on environments and workers around the world. Meanwhile, less than 1 in 5 cellphones are recycled each year.
By @vincebeiser.bsky.social for @time-magazine.bsky.social. bit.ly/3B4z7GV
By @vincebeiser.bsky.social for @time-magazine.bsky.social. bit.ly/3B4z7GV
Reposted by Annika McGinnis
The #SPIBES MSc program, a #CABES initiative, is dedicated to equipping early-career scientists with the skills to bridge the gap between science & policy and to engage in #IPBES @ipbes.bsky.social
⬇️ Our 2024 graduates engaged stakeholders early to discuss the policy relevance of their research. ⬇️
⬇️ Our 2024 graduates engaged stakeholders early to discuss the policy relevance of their research. ⬇️
December 3, 2024 at 8:45 AM
The #SPIBES MSc program, a #CABES initiative, is dedicated to equipping early-career scientists with the skills to bridge the gap between science & policy and to engage in #IPBES @ipbes.bsky.social
⬇️ Our 2024 graduates engaged stakeholders early to discuss the policy relevance of their research. ⬇️
⬇️ Our 2024 graduates engaged stakeholders early to discuss the policy relevance of their research. ⬇️
Reposted by Annika McGinnis
🌳 Nature Insight podcast is back! 🎙️
Beyond species & ecosystems lies a vital layer of #biodiversity: genetic diversity.🌍🧪
In Episode 1, our host Brit chats with Dr Sean Hoban & Dr Laura Bertola about why this hidden layer is key for conservation.
bit.ly/3Ow0Wef
Beyond species & ecosystems lies a vital layer of #biodiversity: genetic diversity.🌍🧪
In Episode 1, our host Brit chats with Dr Sean Hoban & Dr Laura Bertola about why this hidden layer is key for conservation.
bit.ly/3Ow0Wef
December 4, 2024 at 9:06 AM
🌳 Nature Insight podcast is back! 🎙️
Beyond species & ecosystems lies a vital layer of #biodiversity: genetic diversity.🌍🧪
In Episode 1, our host Brit chats with Dr Sean Hoban & Dr Laura Bertola about why this hidden layer is key for conservation.
bit.ly/3Ow0Wef
Beyond species & ecosystems lies a vital layer of #biodiversity: genetic diversity.🌍🧪
In Episode 1, our host Brit chats with Dr Sean Hoban & Dr Laura Bertola about why this hidden layer is key for conservation.
bit.ly/3Ow0Wef
Reposted by Annika McGinnis
Probing obstacles to transformative change – including human practices and habits – contributes to charting pathways to a more just & sustainable world for people and nature.🌍🧪
—Astrid Schomaker, CBD Exec. Sec
💡Coming Soon: the @ipbes.bsky.social #TransformativeChange Report
—Astrid Schomaker, CBD Exec. Sec
💡Coming Soon: the @ipbes.bsky.social #TransformativeChange Report
![An image of mangroves at sunset. A portrait of Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity is also featured along with a quote: "The IPBES Assessment Report on Transformative Change [...] offers concrete strategies and actions to enable the fundamental changes needed to meet the targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) and to fulfil the 2050 Vision for Biodiversity: Living in Harmony with Nature."](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:q5dy2sxcoahc6hjkx4wv2ind/bafkreicbhl7hmcdlhb3foa5cbt5a6p5ejvyyynadoxfqorctbhf4f2inju@jpeg)
December 7, 2024 at 3:49 PM
Probing obstacles to transformative change – including human practices and habits – contributes to charting pathways to a more just & sustainable world for people and nature.🌍🧪
—Astrid Schomaker, CBD Exec. Sec
💡Coming Soon: the @ipbes.bsky.social #TransformativeChange Report
—Astrid Schomaker, CBD Exec. Sec
💡Coming Soon: the @ipbes.bsky.social #TransformativeChange Report
Reposted by Annika McGinnis
What is the real toll of natural and climate disasters? Science has staggering new answers | Devi Sridhar
What is the real toll of natural and climate disasters? Science has staggering new answers | Devi Sridhar
New research challenges us to look beyond the event to the devastating long-term impacts. Governments must take note
The devastation of hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis or tornadoes is often conveyed by how many people have been injured or killed. And…
www.theguardian.com
December 6, 2024 at 6:21 AM
What is the real toll of natural and climate disasters? Science has staggering new answers | Devi Sridhar