(PNA file photo)
MANILA – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) emphasized the role of journalists and responsible journalism in promoting awareness, intensifying urgency, and advocating solutions to the escalating climate crisis and climate change.
In a press release Wednesday, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje said climate change demands transformative actions and that the media could play a vital role towards positive change.
"In an era marked by these challenges, the role of journalism in promoting awareness and advocating for sustainable solutions cannot be overstated. You – journalists – have the power to discuss difficult issues and tell the public the warning signs of a planet in distress,” Borje said in his World Press Freedom Day message during a recent online community hangout and story festival hosted by Climate Tracker Asia.
He urged journalists to use their platform and bring the reality of climate change into focus which could pave the way for actions.
A UNESCO study published this month reveals that 70 percent of environmental journalists have suffered work-related attacks, threats, and pressure.
The United Nations (UN) said reporters around the world “face challenges in seeking and publishing information about environmental issues, including climate change, pollution, deforestation, supply chain problems, illegal mining, and animal trafficking”.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said there is an unprecedented environmental emergency that poses an existential threat to the present and future generations which should be relayed to the public, and journalists and media workers have a key role in informing and
educating them.
The UN said disinformation and misinformation about environmental issues can lead to a lack of public and political support for climate action, effective policies, and the protection of vulnerable communities affected by climate change. (PNA)
