AP breaks news on Trump administration effort to undermine U.N. climate resolution

By Farnoush Amiri, Edith M. Lederer and Matthew Lee

Strong source work and smart collaboration enabled The Associated Press to break news of a Trump administration effort to undermine a United Nations draft resolution urging stronger global action on climate change.

AP diplomatic writer Matthew Lee obtained a cable showing the administration instructed U.S. diplomats worldwide to press other countries to urge the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu to withdraw the draft resolution. The U.S. guidance warned the proposal “could pose a major threat to U.S. industry.”

While Lee was traveling overseas, U.N. correspondents Farnoush Amiri and Edith M. Lederer advanced the reporting from the United Nations. They obtained the draft resolution, which had not been released publicly, interviewed experts and added context about how the United Nations operates.

The resulting story underscored the trio’s deep source networks and the impact of seamless collaboration across time zones and beats.

Judges praised the exclusive document, strong sourcing and coordinated reporting that delivered a distinctive and competitive story.