Congratulations are in order for Isle of Wight journalist, Emma Elobeid, who was announced as a Finalist in the ‘Newcomer of the Year’ category in the Association of British Science Writers Awards 2023.
The piece of work in question was a long-form piece of hyperlocal ‘climate and coastal community’ journalism which was self-published in September 2022 as part of Emma’s Final Major Project in her MA Journalism at Falmouth University.
A Porpoise Named Peppa
‘A Porpoise Named Peppa‘ tells the story of complex climate change in Isle of Wight waters through the tale of a single stranded cetacean washed up on St Helens beach.
Using photography, video, and data visualisation, it charts both a personal journey of self-discovery and a professional step-change.
A diverse publishing background
In her day job as Senior Editor at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Emma writes about circular economy solutions to global challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss.
She has a diverse publishing background, from academic journals to magazine journalism and has been a passionate supporter of the Island as a creative and cultural destination; most recently as Editor of Style of Wight Magazine.
Elobeid: I felt passionately that there was so much more to be uncovered
Emma told News OnTheWight,
“I’m thrilled to have been selected as a finalist in the ABSW ‘Newcomer of the Year’ Awards, particularly given the exceptional writing standard of my fellow shortlisted journalists.
“Writing ‘A Porpoise Named Peppa’ was a real labour of love and, in many ways, an act of bravery – it felt new and a little bit scary to put so much of myself personally into what was quite a scientifically complex climate story.
“Peppa might have been just one dead porpoise on one Isle of Wight beach, but I felt passionately that there was so much more to be uncovered – and, as it turned out, there was. I’d love to be able to pursue more hyperlocal ‘climate and coastal community’ journalism from the Isle of Wight Biosphere in the future.”
Emma lives in St Helens and is a member of the Isle of Wight Creative Network.
Visit Emma Elobeid’s Website to find out more about her work.
Image: © Timi Eross
