2050 – Heatwaves, Drought And Floods – We Just Can’t Wait

The 2024 world press Freedom Day was themed on ‘A press for the Planet: Journalism in the face of the Environment Crisis.’ The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) organized a Climate Africa Warsha (workshop) for media practitioners with panellists from across the continent.

Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the former vice president of Nigeria, who also serves as the global adviser of GEAPP was the keynote speaker. He noted that Africa is the least contributor of gases contributing to climate change. The continent suffers from energy poverty with more than 600 million people lacking access to electricity, while another 150 million people have unreliable access to energy. Osinbajo said that investments from developing countries is needed to acquire clean energy in Africa and that the Continent has the resources to generate 40% of renewable energy needed in the world by harnessing its supply of geothermal, wind and, sunshine to get solar energy.

Panelists at the warsha workshop encouraged the media to monitor pledges made during global climate conferences especially the annual Council of Parties (CoP).  They should in turn explain the impacts of finances pledged to their audience and make them see where they fit in discussions around carbon credits, because everyone needs to feel that they are part of the solution to climate change. Even communities need to be invited to newsrooms to become part of the discussion. Media resources like community radios must address misinformation and run major campaigns about climate change. Journalist on the other hand, must be aggressive on reporting climate change stories like they do corruption and politics.

Zeynab Wandati an environment and sustainability editor at Kenya’s Nation Media Group facilitated a session where she encouraged journalists to give accurate scientific information when reporting on climate change. She said that by looking at different impacts and dimensions on the community, journalists can report on locally led adaption methods that have created solutions.

While it is important to report on the impacts of climate change like Eastern Africa’s worst drought in 40 years experienced because of five consecutive failed rainy seasons, or the recent flooding, stories should also inform and empower communities. Story tellers should localise stories by featuring local voices and incorporating indigenous knowledge shared by communities.

Blessing Manale, South Africa’s Head of Communications at the Presidential Climate Commission reminded journalists to maintain objectivity in their reporting by continuous showcasing Who, What, When, Where and How in their end product.