Rhett Ayers Butler
Not all opportunities are worth taking. In 2010, a high profile literary agent approached me with an enticing offer: Write a book about my journey and the environmental trends shaping the world. It was the kind of opportunity many dream of—a chance to share my perspective, to build my profile, to hold a finished work [Continue reading]
I grew up with an unusual passport for a kid. My father’s constant work travel meant a generous supply of airline miles, and my mother—who built her career as a travel agent focused on international destinations—had the connections to make them go far on a limited budget. We went to the classic places for middle-class [Continue reading]
It’s been a rough few weeks for those who care about the fate of the planet, the wellbeing of others, and the health of the information ecosystem. In moments like these, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—to wonder whether the effort is worth it, whether the tide of setbacks is too strong to push against. This [Continue reading]
“When are you going to get a real job?” I heard this a lot in the early years—from my parents, my peers in Silicon Valley, even a partner at a consulting firm who tried to recruit me out of college. I had stepped away from stability into uncertainty. I’d always had a job since I [Continue reading]
Do you want to contribute to something impactful in a place where you’re an outsider? Here’s what I learned starting Mongabay-Indonesia, an environmental news service in a country where I didn’t even speak the language. 1) Find the right people. The real secret? It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about finding people who do. [Continue reading]
Over the next couple of months, I plan to share weekly posts like this, offering context and insights on my journey in a format different from my usual style. My goal is to explore whether this approach resonates with new audiences and communities. I never set out to become a journalist. When I started Mongabay, [Continue reading]
The election result is a significant setback for efforts to protected biodiversity and slow climate change. For those committed to defending nature, it may feel as though the walls are closing in. Environmental degradation is intensifying, and America is now expected to pull back from even modest leadership on these critical issues. But giving up [Continue reading]
As we await results from today’s election, one of the most important in recent U.S. history, the implications for the planet and its future feel more pressing than ever. No matter who prevails, our work at Mongabay remains profoundly significant. The outcome will undoubtedly influence policy shifts impacting ecosystems, climate action, and biodiversity, potentially altering [Continue reading]
Tomorrow’s election stands as one of the most consequential in U.S. history—not only for Americans but for the world’s beleaguered ecosystems, endangered species, and ultimately, the future of our planet. The choices voters make will shape the governance of 340 million people and define the fate of Earth’s biodiversity and the fragile web of life [Continue reading]
Today is International Primate Day. While most people are familiar with monkeys, the great apes, and possibly lemurs, fewer may realize that there are over 500 known species of primates, making them one of the most diverse groups of mammals. These species range from the diminutive Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur of Madagascar to the formidable [Continue reading]
Today is International Whale Shark Day. In a world that often exalts the loud, the fast, and the fierce, there exists a creature that quietly defies convention. The whale shark, the largest fish in the ocean, glides through warm seas with an elegance that belies its immense size. Despite their bulk—reaching up to 40 feet [Continue reading]
I’m sorry. I’m sorry for letting you down, for letting the world down, and for letting a creature that once roamed the earth for millions of years slip away. The Sumatran rhino, with its thick coat of bristling hair and mournful song, is no longer a living testament to our planet’s wild past. Instead, it [Continue reading]
On this World Orangutan Day, it’s worth pausing to reflect on the profound connection between these creatures and the ecosystems they inhabit. Orangutans, our distant relatives who share 97% of their DNA with us, inhabit a world vastly different from ours, yet one that mirrors important aspects of our own. In the dense, rain-soaked forests [Continue reading]
In the final post of my series marking Mongabay’s 25th anniversary, here’s a glimpse at what lies ahead for us in the near and medium term. Looking towards 2030, our imperatives include: 🌊 Expanding coverage: We aim to explore more topics and regions, focusing on underreported stories with significant impact potential, including oceans, Africa, and [Continue reading]
I’m often asked about my favorite places from my 25 years of running Mongabay. Reflecting on these experiences, my relationship with travel has evolved significantly. Today, I am much more mindful of the environmental impact of my journeys. The demands of running Mongabay also mean that extended periods of being disconnected are challenging, and my [Continue reading]
At Mongabay, we frequently document the harm extractive industries inflict on the environment, wildlife, and communities globally. However, journalism itself can sometimes be extractive. This issue arises when journalists enter a community to report a story, gather context, and then leave. Despite the journalist’s best intentions, if the story isn’t accessible to the community in [Continue reading]