Susanne Rust, a renowned investigative reporter at the Los Angeles Times, has been honored with the inaugural Aviram Foundation Award for Climate Journalism. This prestigious award, presented at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) 2024 Annual Meeting in New York, recognizes excellence in reporting on the climate crisis and solutions that pave the way for a more sustainable future.
Rust, a specialist in environmental issues, has dedicated her career to uncovering the truth about climate change and its devastating effects. Her recent reporting has focused on crucial topics like deep-sea mining, the impact of critical metals on ecosystems, the phasing out of single-use plastics, and the widespread impact of microplastics. Her investigations have taken her to the Marshall Islands, where she explored the devastating intersection of a nuclear legacy and climate change, and along the Pacific coast, from Baja to Alaska, where she investigated the ecosystem changes contributing to the deaths of migrating whales and other marine life.
Prior to her work at the Los Angeles Times, Rust served as the editor of Columbia University’s Energy & Environmental Reporting Project, where she oversaw numerous projects, including a series that examined ExxonMobil’s knowledge of climate science in the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s.
The Aviram Foundation, established in 2021 by Israeli businessman and entrepreneur Ziv Aviram and his family, focuses on promoting innovation, social involvement, and environmental sustainability. The foundation’s mission aligns with the CGI’s commitment to building a better world.
“Susanne Rust’s tireless investigative work embodies the critical role of journalism in driving climate action,” said Ziv Aviram, Founder and President of the Aviram Foundation. “Her dedication to uncovering environmental truths demonstrates why we’re committed to amplifying these vital voices.”
Rust expressed her gratitude for the award, stating, “I am honored and humbled to be recognized by The Aviram Foundation and family as they launch the new Aviram Award for Climate Journalism. I hope this serves as an inspiration to other climate reporters—especially young and aspiring climate reporters—that our work is valued and seen. That we can and do make a difference.”
The Aviram Award for Climate Journalism will be presented annually to a journalist who has made significant contributions to highlighting climate solutions, promoting sustainability and resilience, and shedding light on emerging environmental concerns. The award includes a $100,000 stipend to support the recipient’s continued efforts in the field.
The CGI 2024 Annual Meeting, a platform for leaders from government, business, philanthropy, and civil society, serves as a catalyst for advancing solutions to pressing global challenges. This year’s meeting witnessed the presentation of the Aviram Award for Climate Journalism, signifying the critical role of journalism in addressing climate change.
The Aviram Foundation’s commitment to recognizing and supporting excellence in climate journalism underscores the importance of providing a platform for impactful reporting that informs the public, drives action, and ultimately shapes a sustainable future for generations to come.
