"When you think of a state park or forest, you think, ‘Naturally, this land is protected, and it's going to be [left] as is for the rest of its future essentially’,” Chesnes said. “And we learned that with this assault on state parts, that wasn't the case, that there are always loopholes in law that can be exploited."
Chesnes, a Florida native, shared his journey from studying journalism and sustainability at the University of Florida to earning his drone pilot license, a skill that has enhanced his reporting.
"Being able to get above ground and tell spatial stories is a really crucial reporting tool,” he said.
In his talk, Chesnes detailed how he uncovered the state Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Great Outdoors Initiative's plans to develop several state parks by adding golf courses, hotels, and other facilities. He received an anonymous tip and leaked documents, which revealed that the government was attempting to push these plans through with minimal public input. The public backlash was swift and bipartisan, ultimately leading to the cancellation of the development plans.
"When you come together as one behind an issue like protecting our land and our natural environment, that positive change will happen, that you can actually make a big difference,” Chesnes said.
Chesnes uses a "three Ps" framework in his reporting: People, Planet, and Politics. He focuses on the key change-makers and those affected by environmental injustices, examines the impact of policies and disasters on the natural world, and holds decision-makers accountable. He believes storytelling is a powerful tool for driving change, drawing inspiration from interviews he’s conducted with Dr. Jane Goodall.
"If you want leaders to truly listen, use the power of storytelling,” Goodall told him.
The audience at COM Week was engaged, asking questions about Chesnes's reporting process, the use of anonymous sources, and the broader implications of his work. Chesnes highlighted the power of community engagement and advocacy in influencing government decisions, as well as the need for transparency and public input.
Chesnes's reporting not only protected Florida's natural resources but also demonstrated the impact of human-centered storytelling in driving change. His work serves as an inspiration for future journalists and advocates committed to environmental preservation.
