Environmental journalism, thus, has become a buzzword today. Extra impetus for the same came, unfortunately, by the changing climate itself. The Green Pen, is a collection of essays by a heady mix of environment journalists and activists, who form the first generation which has raised serious concerns regarding environment degradation. The editors – Keya Acharya and Frederick Noronha – are both independent journalists with environment as their prime area of work. The book is divided into 10 sections, providing a wide range of perspectives, all leading to the core issue of environment. The authors have not lost sight of the strengths of journalism either, that makes environmental journalism an exhilarating exercise. Thus, we have sections on photojournalism and wildlife journalism, and a number of articles coming from the experience of the writers.

The book starts with a foreword by Darryl D’Monte, the journalist who put environment on the media radar. He is the father of environment journalist in India, and his chapter explains why. When in late 1970s and early 80s, no one was taking the matter seriously, though CO2 emissions had started worrying the scientists, he was the pioneer who raked up the issue again and again. He left a lucrative job and wrote on major environmental controversies of the time. Initially the debate between environment and development saw both these as contradictory to each other, with heavy tilt in favour of "development". Along with the likes of Anil Agarwal, founder of Centre for Science and Environment, he brought environment, development and people together. His experiential document is an important addition for the new age journalists, activists and academics for whom engaging with environment has become a need.

Another important section is the Reader of late Anil Agarwal which has three articles giving a critical perspective on media, photography and journalists.

The book offers a wide geographical range with authors from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Maldives, all bringing their own country’s experience to one table. There are differences, but also a score of similar trends within these nations. South Asia, being a developing region, has faced the brunt as developed nations have refused to comply to Kyoto protocol and taking responsibility of the current state of affairs. This has led to continuation of uneven development throwing more people into poverty, and putting them at the receiving end of climate change. This collection will help in bringing out a unified voice from the region.

The book also offers ideologically stimulating essays. "Environment Journalism since Economic Liberalisation" by S. Gopikrishna Warrier traces imbalance between development and environment in the neo-liberal reforms, interestingly through his "run" as a journalist. He assesses the impact of economic reforms on environment journalism, which, within a decade of the reforms, was finding less and less space in print and electronic media. The article represents the mood of the book – a critical way of looking at recent developments in the country, thereby providing an alternative voice.

Where the book lacks is in devoting some space to an academic voice which can set a tone for even more in-depth discussions. One feels the need for the same due to theoretical devices that are being used to curb an alternative agenda. A separate or section chapter on South Asia as a whole would have also added to the value of the book.

Over all, the book is an exciting read. A reader walks with the writers through their journey as environmentalists, with the scope of analysing and vital engagement. Environment is depleting as one writes and reads this. A more vibrant churning is needed, especially in the light of approaching United Nations’ Durban Conference in November. q