Earlier this semester, Emory University welcomed back one of its own - Michael J. Coren, Class of 2002 - for a vibrant series of conversations, workshops, and meetups centered around climate journalism, creative nonfiction, and green career paths. Co-hosted by the Creative Writing Program, the Department of English, and the Emory Climate Hub, this three-day event series brought students, alumni, and faculty from across disciplines to reflect on the power of storytelling in the age of climate change. During the visit, student journalists from The Emory Wheel met with Coren on campus highlighting his path from Emory to The Washington Post and how his “Climate Coach” column uses practical, solutions-focused storytelling to drive cultural change. Read more in this article here by Ilah Ross.
Michael, now a climate advice columnist at The Washington Post, has spent the past two decades navigating the fast-changing worlds of media, science, and climate solutions. During his return to campus, he shared that journey from co-founding Emory’s former environmental journalism track, to reporting in Cambodia, to writing columns that help everyday people answer the question: What can I do about climate change?
Here's a quick look at how the week unfolded:
Monday, March 31 — Creative Writing Reading Series
Location: Jones Room, Woodruff Library
The week kicked off with an evening dedicated to the craft of nonfiction. Michael shared insights from his career, especially his work on Climate Coach, a column in the Washington Post that combines science journalism with practical climate advice.
Tuesday, April 1 - Creative Writing Colloquium
Location: Kemp Malone Library, Callaway Center
This lunch-hour conversation focused on the evolving landscape of environmental writing. Over sandwiches and sunlight streaming through library windows, students discussed the ethical, emotional, and editorial challenges of writing about climate. Michael emphasized the importance of empathy, clarity, and curiosity in telling these stories well.
Tuesday, April 1 - Student & Alumni Networking Night
Location: Math and Science Center Lobby
That evening, students had the chance to mingle with alumni and professionals over a light dinner. Michael delivered a keynote on career resilience - sharing stories from his time as a Henry Luce Scholar in Cambodia to founding The Post’s first climate advice column.
Pro tip from Michael: "Your path won’t be straight, but that’s what makes it interesting."
Wednesday, April 2 - Student Writing Workshop
Location: MSC E301
This hands-on workshop offered selected students the chance to dive deep into the craft of nonfiction. From opening hooks to structuring essays, the session focused on writing that informs and inspires. Michael’s feedback was practical, generous, and (as one student put it) “exactly what I needed to hear.”
Wednesday, April 2 - Green Careers Coffee Hour
Location: MSC E301
We closed the week with an informal coffee hour where students could ask big (and small) questions about careers in climate journalism, sustainability, and beyond. Michael didn’t hold back - sharing honest takes on burnout, finding purpose, and building a career that aligns with your values. Oh, and yes, the coffee and cookies were excellent.
From big-picture reflections to sentence-level edits, the week offered a rich blend of learning, connection, and inspiration. Whether you came for the writing tips or the climate conversation (or just the coffee), there was something for everyone.
Huge thanks to Michael Coren, the Creative Writing Program, the department of English and the Climate Hub for bringing this event series to life