Associated Press: Balance Not Needed In Some Climate Stories

The Associated Press asserts in recently updated style guidelines that it is “acceptable” to use the terms “climate crisis” and “climate emergency” in stories when referring to climate change.

“According to the vast majority of peer-reviewed studies, science organizations and climate scientists: The world is warming, mainly due to rising levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. By far, most of the increase in temperature is the result of human activity. That includes the burning of coal, oil and natural gas; deforestation; and raising livestock,” the AP wrote.

Also, the AP said it was not necessary to balance certain stories with comments from the “other side.”

“Avoid false balance – giving a platform to unqualified claims or sources in the guise of balancing a story by including all views,” the AP wrote. “For example, coverage of a study describing effects of climate change need not seek ‘other side’ comment that humans have no influence on the climate.”

The AP Stylebook is followed by the vast majority of mainstream news sources in the U.S.