It was a sunny afternoon when Khouzama Makarim went on a picnic with her parents. They carried food, blankets, and joy, expecting a peaceful day surrounded by nature. But the sight that greeted her was far from pleasant. Trash was scattered everywhere, plastic bottles lying on the grass, food wrappers stuck in the soil, and waste polluting the beauty of the land.
For many, it would be a passing annoyance. For Khouzama, it was a heartbreak. She felt sadness for what people were doing to the earth, to the soil, to the natural world that sustains all life. That moment became a turning point. It was then she realized her calling: she wanted to dedicate her life to telling stories about the environment.
Choosing Environmental Journalism
In 2020, Khouzama made a bold decision during her masters studies. She chose to specialize in environmental journalism. At that time, it was not a popular path. Her university was unsure whether to even open a section for this field. Only four students, including Khouzama, were interested. Compared to larger and more traditional majors, the number looked too small.
But she refused to give up. She pushed for the idea, insisting that environmental journalism was not only important but urgent. The climate crisis, pollution, biodiversity loss, and rising natural disasters were all signals of a world in need of awareness. She believed journalists should not only report the news but also protect the earth by giving a voice to the voiceless, soil, water, animals, and ecosystems.
Her persistence paid off. Though the start was slow and resources were limited, Khouzama built her path. She carved her space in the world of journalism with courage and determination.
Transforming Problems Into Stories
For Khouzama, the biggest achievement was not just choosing this field, but turning environmental problems into powerful stories. She did not want to write plain reports filled with statistics and numbers. Instead, she chose to tell stories with a human touch.
Her writing carried emotions, voices of local communities, and pictures of real lives affected by pollution or climate change. She linked scientific data with human experiences, creating a bridge that made readers care deeply about what was happening around them.
One of her most memorable moments was when her report on illegal bird hunting spread widely on social media. Readers engaged, shared, and discussed the issue passionately. Some said they had never realized how serious and widespread bird hunting was until they read her story. Others thanked her for bringing attention to a problem often overlooked. For Khouzama, this was proof that storytelling can raise awareness and inspire meaningful change.
Topics That Matter
Her journalism focuses on issues that affect both the environment and human life. Among them are:
Pollution: Highlighting how plastic, chemicals, and waste damage soil, rivers, and seas.
Biodiversity: Showing the tragic loss of species and habitats.
Marine life: Reporting on the health of oceans, coral reefs, and fishing practices.
Climate change: Explaining its impact on weather, farming, and communities.
Through these themes, she always connects the global with the local. She reminds readers that climate change is not a distant problem, it is happening here and now, in their cities, farms, and rivers.
One of her strongest beliefs is that humans are not the strongest species on earth. In fact, we are the most vulnerable. If we continue to destroy ecosystems, we are destroying ourselves. Her mission is to show people that caring for the earth is not an option, it is survival.
The Struggles Behind the Scenes
The road has not been smooth for Khouzama. At first, she often felt isolated. With only a handful of students in her program, the support was limited. Universities were still unsure how to shape the new specialty of environmental journalism.
Beyond academics, the professional world brings its own challenges. Reporting on pollution, climate change, or biodiversity loss is not always welcomed. Some industries resist exposure, some authorities avoid accountability, and sometimes sources hesitate to speak openly.
But she never stopped. Each time she faced doubt, she remembered the image of garbage on the soil that day during her picnic. That sadness turned into strength. It reminded her why she began this journey.
A Vision for the Future
Khouzama wants to be known simply as an environmental journalist who contributed to changing policies and shifting mindsets. She believes journalism can play a role not only in informing but also in shaping the future.
Today, she is working on projects such as:
A series on microplastics in soil and water.
Fieldwork on biodiversity loss in rural communities.
Workshops for young students who want to report on environmental issues.
Collaborations with NGOs to raise awareness and create data driven stories.
On her social media platforms, she shares not just professional updates but also her lifestyle, struggles, and behind the scenes moments. She believes showing her personal side makes her work more relatable and inspires others to join the mission.
A Message of Hope
When asked what she would like to say to young people, her message is simple but powerful:
“Go ahead. Even if you face struggles, do not be upset and do not give up.”
This sentence sums up her journey. She started with only a vision, faced doubts from her university, struggled to find support, but today she stands as a strong voice for the earth.
She knows the challenges are not over. Climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss are huge battles. But every story told, every person inspired, and every policy influenced is a step toward a healthier world.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Khouzama’s journey is not just about her. It is about showing others that one person can make a difference. Her path encourages students, writers, and dreamers to choose courage over comfort, persistence over fear.
She believes that if more journalists, citizens, and leaders embrace the earths story, we can change the course of the future. It is not only about saving the environment, but about saving humanity itself.
Her picnic story proves how one small moment can spark a lifetime of purpose. Trash on the ground became the seed for a movement. Today, her voice echoes far beyond that day, into communities, policies, and the hearts of readers.
Do follow her on Instagram
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