This is the first in a series of mini-fundraisers we're launching to help take New Matilda to the next level. Our goal is to raise at least $200,000 by Christmas 2015 on a series of specific projects, thus helping to secure the future of New Matilda for another year.

Last week, we launched a complete redesign of the website. This week, we’re asking readers to help us get our young gun environmental reporter, Thom Mitchell to Paris to cover the United Nations Conference on Climate Change, from November 30 to December 11.

The Paris climate talks is THE single most important event being staged to tackle climate change in a long time. The talks are crucial if global carbon emissions are going to be reduced enough to limit warming to two degrees.

New Matilda has a strong commitment to environmental reporting, and so we want to be there to keep an eye on the people charged with reducing global emissions. In particular, we want to watch Australia’s performance closely… our nation is one of the worst polluters on earth per capita, and we remain the only nation on earth to have abolished an emissions trading scheme.



Thom Mitchell (pictured slaving away above) has worked hard this year to bring you important environmental news as it happens, and the $10,000 we’re seeking will cover Thom’s flights, his accommodation, travel insurance and daily stipend.

And we’ll sweeten the deal for readers who help fund us.

Apart from playing an important part in ensuring a genuinely independent Australian media presence at the Paris talks, for readers who contribute, Thom will email you regular ‘insider’ updates on what’s happening behind the scenes, giving you all the goss and colour of a major international event. This is a service only available to people who contribute to this fundraiser.

The $10,000 will be used to pay for Thom Mitchell's flights, accommodation, wages and additional costs associated with his reporting.

• Flights - $2,500
• Travel insurance - $1,000
• Accommodation - $4,500
• Daily Stipend ($100 per day, 20 days)

If we exceed our funding goal, then the additional money will be directed specifically towards our environmental reporting into 2016. We might even send Thom off on a quick detour on the way home to bring you more great independent, environmental reporting (suggestions welcome!).