Ayla Burnett
My degree in Environmental Studies and Spanish at the University of Oregon helped shape my intention as a journalist: to tell the stories of underrepresented individuals, engage communities often at political odds, and in doing so, fight for social and environmental justice. I am particularly interested in the relationship between politics and environmental justice, Indigenous rights, climate change and ecology. I have experience in urban and rural farming, environmental, investigative and local beat reporting and political narrative.
I am came to Berkeley to learn how to tell stories through a variety of different mediums, though long form narrative writing and investigative reporting are personal favorites. I have experience in music writing and radio broadcasting, as well. I seek to combine my interests in culture and the environment to tell a wide range of intimate and representationally diverse stories about the human experience.
Published Work:
Major West Oakland housing development delayed again
The Oaklandside, April 2022
What’s next for workers, city after century old foundry moves to Texas?
Oakland North, March 2022
East Oakland foundry pollution spurs two lawsuits to protect community
Oakland North, February 2022
Rooftop farm profits with Oakland nonprofits to address food insecurity
Oakland North, December 2021
Major West Oakland housing development remains in limbo
The Oaklandside, December 2021
Will Oakland get federal rescue dollars for anti-violence measures?
Oakland North, November 2021
Forests Ablaze, Glaciers Melting: Climate Change Threatens US Parks
WhoWhatWhy, April 2021
The Environmental State is in Danger. Here’s How We Can Fight Back
The Trouble, October 2020
EDUCATION
University of Oregon: Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies with a minor in Spanish and Latin American Studies
REPORTING INTERESTS
Community-centered reporting, Environmental Justice, Food and land sovereignty, Investigative reporting, climate change