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Government Calls for Journalists’ Engagement in Climate Change Awareness

Published by Tope Fakinlede on June 27th, 2024.

Government Calls for Journalists’ Engagement in Climate Change Awareness

By Taiwo Bankole

Climate

On Tuesday, the Federal Government urged media professionals to play a more significant role in raising awareness and driving action against climate change.

Mahmud Adam Kambari, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, made this appeal at a three-day capacity-building workshop for selected journalists from the southern region of Nigeria, held in Lagos. The event was part of the Nigeria Climate Change Response Programme, supported by the European Union, aiming to encourage journalists to disseminate information on the impacts of climate change and the importance of collective action.

Represented by Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, Director of the Department of Climate Change, Kambari highlighted the influential role of the media in shaping public opinion and fostering action on critical issues like climate change.

“As journalists, communicators, and storytellers, you have the power to amplify voices, drive change, and hold decision-makers accountable,” he said. “Climate change poses a significant threat to our communities, economies, and the planet. Addressing this crisis requires immediate and bold actions. Your role in informing, educating, inspiring, and mobilizing individuals and communities is crucial for fostering a sustainable and resilient future.”

Kambari explained that the workshop aimed to enhance journalists’ skills and knowledge in reporting on climate change through interactive sessions, expert talks, and practical exercises. Participants would gain a deeper understanding of the science, policy, and impacts of climate change, learning how to communicate complex issues effectively and engage diverse audiences.

Elizabeth Mwaniki, a communication expert with the Nigeria Climate Change Response Programme, stressed the importance of such training sessions. She noted that the first workshop was held for journalists in the northern part of Nigeria, and this initiative is now being extended to their southern counterparts.

“With this training, we aim to equip journalists with the tools needed to report on climate change effectively,” Mwaniki said. “By increasing visibility on climate change issues like sea level rise, flooding, and heatwaves, we hope to spur decisive actions from the public, government, and all stakeholders to enhance environmental sustainability.”