Speakers from Greenpeace UK and Animal Rising attended London Met to discuss key issues in environmentalism
Date: 27 November 2024
London Met Journalism welcomed two high-profile guest speakers from the world of campaigning, Stefano Gelmini from Greenpeace UK and Nathan McGovern from Animal Rising.
The talks aimed to teach students about employment opportunities in the world of environmental activism.
Head of News at Greenpeace UK Stefano Gelmini took third years sitting the Campaigning Journalism module through the mechanics of effective strategy to help them understand how to create their own campaigns for assessment.
Third year campaign work is a forum for students' multiplatform skills as they blend writing and interview skills with website creation, video, SoundCloud, photography and social media content to create a showcase of journalistic excellence for future employers.
Beatrice Morandi was captivated by what Stefano had to say: “Meeting Stefano Gelmini was a profoundly impactful experience for me.
“I was able to ask for his personal contact information, which he kindly provided, allowing me to seek further guidance on how I might become involved with Greenpeace, even as a volunteer.
“This interaction reinforced my belief that I am on the right path in my journey to becoming an environmental journalist, and it inspired me to continue pursuing my goals in this field.
“My mind was racing with thoughts.”
Also on the guest speaker list was Nathan McGovern, a spokesperson for Animal Rising, the group that hit the headlines for disrupting the Grand National.
Getting arrested is an occupational hazard for Nathan. In fact, he’s almost count: “13 times? Or is it 14?”
Nathan took time out from his activism to explain what drives him.
One of the learning takeaways was how their motives and non-violent, direct action have to make sense to the public during key ‘moments of whirlwind’ when they’re in the media spotlight following a high-profile stunt.
Nathan explained that Animal Rising is not afraid to engage with journalists across the political spectrum – even if that means providing ‘rage bait’ to the likes of the Daily Mail and GB News (‘vegan mob’, ‘eco clowns’, ‘woke extremists’).
Despite such negative descriptions, the long-term impact of their work to protect race horses is, says Nathan, really working as attitudes change towards the dangers of steeplechasing.
Watch out for Nathan’s next court appearance. He’s facing trial in the New Year accused of burglary after an alleged break-in to at a breeding facility in Cambridgeshire supplying Beagles for use in laboratory medical experiments.
Meeting our guests opened Anna Stankavich’s eyes to the job opportunities in campaigning/environmental journalism: “The talk that Stefano Gelmini from Greenpeace gave us was very inspiring.
“I’ve never thought of working as a green activist or using journalism to promote green campaigns but thanks to Stefano that has changed.
“Now, I might consider applying for positions at green campaign groups.”
Module Leader Simon Cadman said: “Campaigning is an important part of journalism.
“Heroes of the profession like Sunday Times Editor Sir Harry Evans made their name by standing up and fighting for victims of injustice.
“It’s important for students to realise the significance of campaigning in journalism, and to appreciate that journalistic skills are transferrable to the world of activism.”
The last word goes to Beatrice Morandi: “I had such a fantastic time in today’s class! The campaign journalism module has captured my heart, and I find myself wishing it could last longer than just a semester. It’s so inspiring!”
Simon Cadman, Senior Lecturer BA Journalism, facilitated the event.
For more information on BA Journalism, please visit the course pages.
London Met welcomes high profile speakers from Greenpeace UK and Animal Rising