The climate emergency in Africa: what role should the media play?
Related project
DuniaAt the seminar marking the launch of the Dunia project, which took place in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) from 16 to 18 December 2019, journalists from Eastern Africa discussed the best ways to tackle the environmental issues affecting their entire continent.
During these three days of exchanges, the main focus was placed on the challenges lying ahead and how those issues should be dealt with, by making journalists and media heads more aware of the importance of mainstreaming them in their reporting. Indeed, while climate change has become a global emergency, Africa is proving to be the continent most severely affected and most vulnerable to its impacts.
“Journalism can make this world a better place for all of us. We just need to play our part and provide good journalism".
Noah Omuya, journalist (Uganda)
Around one hundred French and African professionals from a variety of backgrounds were present, including journalists, chief editors, members of civil society or institutions, and scientists. Discussion groups provided an opportunity to share experiences, exchange views and debate on various topics, such as adaptation issues, the 'gender' dimension, the photographic approach to climate change, climate-change scepticism, links between the scientific and media communities, and the contribution of solution journalism in addressing those issues.
“We need to start talking about climate change from a 'human' perspective, focusing on communities, farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and the like".
Sophia Mbugua, journalist (Kenya)
