John Ryan
Environment Reporter
About
John Ryan joined KUOW as its first full-time investigative reporter in 2009 and became its environment reporter in 2018. He focuses on climate change, energy, and the ecosystems of the Puget Sound region. He has also investigated toxic air pollution, landslides, failed cleanups, and money in politics for KUOW.
Over a quarter century as an environmental journalist, John has covered everything from Arctic drilling to Indonesian reef bombing. He has been a reporter at NPR stations in southeast and southwest Alaska (KTOO-Juneau and KUCB-Unalaska) and at the Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce.
John’s stories have won multiple national awards for KUOW, including the Society of Professional Journalists' Sigma Delta Chi awards for Public Service in Radio Journalism and for Investigative Reporting, national Edward R. Murrow and PMJA/PRNDI awards for coverage of breaking news, and Society of Environmental Journalists awards for in-depth reporting.
John welcomes tips, documents, and feedback. Reach him at jryan@kuow.org or for secure, encrypted communication, he's at heyjohnryan@protonmail.com or 1-401-405-1206 on the Signal messaging app.
Location: Seattle
Languages: English, some Spanish, some Indonesian
Professional Affiliations: SAG-AFTRA union member and former shop steward; Society of Environmental Journalists member and mentor
Stories
-
Toxic PCBs threaten orcas around the world
Killer whales can be found around the world, and more than half of those populations are threatened by toxic chemicals called PCBs, according to a new study in the journal Science.
-
Another Puget Sound Orca Is In Bad Shape. 3 Others Are Pregnant
Since last November, three members of the long-endangered population have died, most recently an emaciated young female known as J50.
-
Another ailing orca – and three pregnant ones
Governor's task force seeks comments on its recommendations to save 74 whales from extinction as three of them are found to be pregnant.
-
One way to watch orcas without disturbing them? On land
LISTEN to giddy-sounding orca vocalizations (are they laughing??)
-
Seattle University said to be first in state to divest from fossil fuels
After a six-year campaign by student activists, Seattle University announced Wednesday it is selling off its investments in fossil fuels.
-
Lithium batteries blamed for starting toxic Tacoma fire
-
Researcher declares missing orca dead
-
'Thinnest killer whale' J-50 may be dead
-
Trickling rivers, smoky skies: a taste of future Seattle
This summer, weather stations from Bellingham to Olympia were as dry as they’ve ever been.
-
Judge halts Canadian tar sands pipeline
Judge Eleanor Dawson said pipeline regulators failed to meaningfully consult with tribes, and cited potential impacts to Southern resident killer whales.