Episode 57: Conversation with Sam Leon & Ben Heubl
Oct 18, 2023
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Sam Leon and Ben Heubl delve into the power of open source intelligence for environmental investigations, sharing insights on uncovering Total's ties to Russian military fuel supply chains, the impact of lithium mining in Chile, and analyzing geospatial data for supply chain monitoring. They also discuss the environmental impact of private jet travel and using remote sensing data to uncover fraudulent activities like gas leaks and deforestation.
Satellite data and remote sensing can track environmental changes and validate data, overcoming challenges like cloud cover.
Journalists should utilize open source intelligence tools and alternative data sources like social media for investigative success.
Deep dives
Satellite Imagery for Environmental Investigations
Using satellite imagery and remote sensing, journalists can track environmental changes, validate data, and monitor areas difficult to access. Cloud cover remains a challenge, but synthetic aperture radar can penetrate clouds. Cost can be a barrier, but tools like Google Earth Pro provide high-resolution imagery for free, while tailored satellite data can animate changes over time.
Data Dilemmas in Environmental Investigations
Challenges in environmental investigations include cloud cover obstructing satellite imagery, cost barriers for acquiring specific data, and the need for creative use of alternative data sources like social media. Synthetic aperture radar can penetrate clouds, and utilizing free platforms like Google Earth Pro can aid in high-resolution imagery access.
Training and Resources for Journalists
Journalists new to environmental investigations can benefit from resources like Sten's investigative journalism summer school, Python courses for automation, and self-teaching tools. Accessing case studies and pitching out-of-the-ordinary stories can enhance skills. Stay open to various approaches and tools while self-teaching can be beneficial in this quickly evolving field.
Enriching OSINT for Environmental Investigations
To advance environmental investigative stories with OSINT, using satellite data blends, night light imagery, and other remote sensing methods can reveal pollution or environmental damage. Incorporating social media for source identification and verification and being open to new data streams can elevate investigations. Engaging with user-friendly tools for enhanced data validation is crucial.
Our latest podcast discusses how open source intelligence can power your environmental investigations. Sam Leon from DataDesk and Ben Heubl from Süddeutsche Zeitung talk us through their investigative pieces using OSINT to uncover hidden stories of environmental wrongdoing. We also hear the tools and data skills used to find and tell such stories.
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