I’m currently taking part in the Training of Trainers programme by the Solutions Journalism Network, which will soon make me a certified trainer. In two weeks, I’ll run the first Urban Solutions Journalism Academy (September 26, 4-6pm UK time) – you can still sign up for free here: Join the Academy
One of the key lessons in my training is that the best way to learn solutions journalism is to read good examples. Seeing how others frame responses, use evidence, and keep stories grounded in reality is invaluable – especially for those of us writing about cities.
My favourite tool for this is the Solutions Story Tracker®, a curated database with more than 17,000 published stories. You can filter by place, theme, or journalist and find everything from climate adaptation to housing models. In their own words:
Welcome to a curated database of rigorous reporting on responses to social problems.
17,200 stories produced by 9,700 journalists and 2,100 news outlets from 99 countries. The stories cover responses in 199 countries, in 17 languages. This resource is made possible because of a growing movement of journalists who use solutions journalism to illuminate both problems and evidence-based responses to them.
Here’s a search I did on eco-friendly green building responses:
It’s also worth exploring the Impact Tracker, which shows how solutions journalism has influenced debates, policy, and even practice on the ground. It’s a reminder that good reporting doesn’t just inform, it can shape change. For instance:
Have a look around, and if you come across a story that inspires you, whether about your own city or a topic you care about, I’d love to hear about it in the comments.
