Christian Schwägerl


Anthropocene - biosphere - climate - energy - mobility - science - technology 


With my work as a freelance journalist, book author and founder, I want to support the public in forming its own picture of the world. I offer high-quality journalism, rich with reliable information vivid descriptions and important context, based on in-depth research and interviews.


Journalistic independence as a foundation


I received my journalistic training at the esteemed German School of Journalism in Munich, complemented by academic studies in biology and a Master’s in Science from the University of Reading. Between 1997 and 2012, I served as a staff correspondent for prestigious publications including Berliner Zeitung, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), and Der Spiegel.


Since 2012, I have embraced freelance journalism, with my work appearing in leading outlets such as Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Neue Zürcher Zeitung, Spektrum der Wissenschaft, GEO/PM, RiffReporter, and Yale E360.


I am always enthusiastic about collaborating on new projects with respected media organizations.


Over the course of my career, I have been honored with several awards, including the prestigious Hofschneider Award for Science and Medical Journalism.


My work adheres to the rigorous code of conduct I helped establish at RiffReporter, underscoring the principles of independence, objectivity, and impartiality. I do not engage in PR for companies, nor do I endorse or favor any political parties or NGOs.

Global Perspectives


I am the author of three books: Anthropocene, 11 Looming Wars (co-authored with Andreas Rinke), which explores global conflict risks, and Die Analoge Revolution, which examines the future of digital technologies. My book about the Anthropocene inspired the "Anthropocene Project" at the House of World Cultures in Berlin in 2012. Additionally, I contributed to the curatorial team for the special exhibition "Welcome to the Anthropocene" at the Deutsches Museum.


Masterclass Science Journalism and Riff initiative


From 2014 to 2022, I directed the Masterclass Science Journalism, a program funded by the Robert Bosch Stiftung. This initiative provided more than 50 mid-career science journalists with opportunities to develop pioneering projects and collaborate with esteemed colleagues and industry innovators.
 
In 2013, I founded the Riff initiative to bolster quality journalism. This endeavor led to the creation of two distinct organizations by the team of co-founders:

-
RiffReporter cooperative (eG) as a publication and revenue generation platform for freelance journalists

- Non-profit Riff freie Medien gGmbH for the promotion of research, fact-checking and media education. 


Both organizations operate independently, supporting quality journalism through varied strategies and approaches. The term "Riff" symbolizes the diversity, cooperation, and depth of coral reefs. I elaborated on this vision for the future of journalism in a 2019 book article. At the cooperative, I served as Co-CEO from 2017 to 2022, and I have been the managing partner of the non-profit since 2015.

Contact me


I look forward to hearing from you. The best way to reach me is by e-mail.
I will get back to you as soon as possible.

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