Peterson received the award and its $1000 prize for a series on shrinking glaciers in Wyoming’s Wind River Range, entitled “On Thinning Ice.” The panel of judges cited Peterson for her enterprise in tromping around with scientists out in the field, and in tracking down ranchers and other locals affected by the changing climate; for her ability to portray a range of scientific disciplines, along with the process of science itself, in an engaging way; and for taking a highly politicized topic, climate change, and depoliticizing it by focusing on indisputable changes that are already forcing people to adapt. “Peterson’s reporting nails down the fact that the melting of glaciers is having consequences that are relevant to the local community, showing that climate change isn’t an abstract idea, but something concrete that affects lives,” explained the judges.
2011 Christine Peterson
Christine Peterson / Casper Star-Tribune