About us
Vital Signs stories are inspired by the work of leading global nonprofit Environmental Defense Fund. EDF creates bold, game-changing climate solutions to build a vital Earth, for everyone.
Vital Signs journalists operate at the leading edge of environmental action to bring you authoritative, intelligent analysis and uplifting, solutions-focused journalism. Our stories are rigorously reported and independently fact-checked.
We feature the people creating positive environmental change. We talk to farmers, fishers, businesses, lawmakers and frontline communities, as well as the world’s leading experts in environmental law, science, policy and economics, both within and outside EDF.
With clear-eyed reporting, helpful explainers, galvanizing videos, green living tips and more, Vital Signs helps you understand the causes and challenges of climate change and the power of climate solutions.
From the heart of the rainforest to the depths of the oceans, we take the pulse of the planet to bring you stories that will make you think and give you hope.
Hope for a warming planet
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Meet the team
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Senior Social Media EditorMia Bechak
Mia does social media and is from Pittsburgh. She says this makes her a Yinzfluencer.
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Social media editorElena Berryman
An avid foodie, Elena enjoys the DC food scene and loves perfecting recipes. You have to try her birria chicken tacos.
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Digital Production EditorJordon Brown
If you read an article on this site, Jordon probably published it. He is a PhD dropout, lives just outside of Austin and loves comic books.
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Contributing writerTom Clynes
Tom is an award-winning environmental journalist. Curiosity has taken him to some of the world's most remote and intriguing places.
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Contributing writerJoanna Foster
After a few close encounters with safari ants in East Africa, Joanna redirected her career path from field biology to science journalism.
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WriterLiz Galst
An award-winning writer, Liz shepherds Vital Sign’s Go Green section. Besides parenting, swimming in crystal-clear lakes is her big thing.
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WriterVanessa Glavinskas
Vanessa has reported in 10 countries and is an Eddie award winner. She’s always trying to convince her family to adopt another dog.
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Senior Project ManagerColleen Jones
Colleen has been steering hydra-like projects to completion for over 20 years. Her superpower is smiling through it all.
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Senior Web DeveloperSam Kennard
Sam is a budding gardener who has never met a plant that she hasn't tried to propagate.
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Editor in chiefTasha Kosviner
A former UK investigative journalist, Tasha is still more tom-ah-to than tom-ay-to. She loves cats, carbs, hot yoga and cold mountains.
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Features editorShanti Menon
Shanti has been a science and environmental writer for more than 25 years. She lives in New York City and enjoys leaving.
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Video producerMohammad Shahhosseini
Mohammad creates short documentaries and explainer videos. He has recently ventured into baking bread, although the results are not yet Instagramable.
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Photo Project ManagerPaula Trotto
Paula is a Webby-award winning visual content researcher, editor and producer. She has a capybara photo for (almost) every story.
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Senior Videographer/PhotographerLeslie Von Pless
Leslie scours the globe seeking stories that will help us build a better world. Her favorite place to be on the planet is underwater.
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