•During a panel discussion on understanding and covering climate change issues, journalists and industry experts shed light on the challenges and opportunities in reporting.
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As the global climate crisis escalates, Africa is bearing the full brunt.
From extreme weather, food insecurity to dwindling natural resources like water, the continent is experiencing firsthand the impact.
During the sixth annual Kenya Editors Guild Convention that was held in Shanzu, Mombasa county from November 29 to December 3, 2023, delegates had an opportunity to discuss the role the fourth estate plays in raising awareness, fostering dialogue, and driving meaningful action while reporting climate change.
During a panel discussion on understanding and covering climate change issues, journalists and industry experts shed light on the challenges and opportunities in reporting.
Hosted by Mary Harper, the panel featured insights from journalists and representatives from both the media and the mining sector.
Harper, a former BBC Editor noted that when it comes to climate change, one of the challenges journalists face is how to make stories interesting.
“There are a lot of studies that show because audiences are frightened about climate change, there is news avoidance. They do not want to look at those stories,” noted Harper.
The Somalia experience
One of the highlights of the discussion was the perspective shared by Fakat Kiin, a journalist who has experienced firsthand the impact of climate change on communities, particularly in Somalia.
Kiin, who grew up in Kenya after her family fled Somalia during the civil war in the 1990s, emphasised the importance of reporting on climate-related disasters and their devastating effects on vulnerable populations.
She recounted her experiences covering floods and droughts in Somalia, where she witnessed the resilience and struggles of communities grappling with environmental challenges.
“At the end of 2020, I went back to my birth place in Somalia. I met a lot of people who fled the country because of famine and drought,” Kiin told delegates.
Kiin's experiences underscored the critical role of journalists in raising awareness and documenting the human stories behind climate change. Despite the challenges of reporting on complex scientific issues and navigating the media landscape, Kiin stressed the importance of telling these stories to bring about change and mobilize action.
Need for transparency
The panel also addressed the role of sectors like mining in contributing to climate change and the need for transparency and accountability.
Adrian Topoti, representing Base Titanium, highlighted the company's efforts to embed sustainability into its operations and engage with journalists to communicate its environmental initiatives and achievements. He emphasised the importance of openness and dialogue with the media to build trust and foster a collaborative approach to addressing environmental challenges.
“We have a very open policy regarding journalists and the environment. Our mindset is always open. A lot of of the media houses present here have sent journalists to our site. They have been taken round and any questions they have always received responses,” said Topoti.
Faizah Mohammed, a climate activist from Somalia, shared insights into grassroots initiatives and community-driven solutions to climate change. She highlighted the role of youth-led clean-up campaigns and the adoption of renewable energy technologies in mitigating the impact of climate change in Somalia.
“Reporters have to understand the impact of climate change so they can report about it. But if they do not understand, reporting becomes very difficult,” Faizah said.
The discussion also touched on the evolving role of the media in covering climate change, including the emergence of solutions-based journalism and the need for balanced and accurate reporting.
While acknowledging the complexities of reporting on climate-related issues, panelists emphasised the importance of engaging with communities, understanding local contexts, and amplifying diverse voices in climate discourse.
A major take away from the panel discussion, was the importance of understanding and covering climate change issues in an accurate, comprehensive, and responsible manner.
By amplifying the voices of affected communities, fostering dialogue and collaboration, and holding industries and policymakers accountable, journalists and media organizations can play a pivotal role in driving awareness, action, and solutions to the climate crisis.
By taking climate change seriously and prioritizing comprehensive and impactful coverage, media outlets can empower communities, hold decision-makers accountable, and contribute to building and resilient future for Africa and the planet.