Journalism’s crucial role in defending science, empowering voices against climate threats
In 2024, the importance of journalism and freedom of expression is crucial, especially in the context of the ongoing global environmental crisis.
Journalists face significant challenges in uncovering and sharing information on contemporary issues like supply chain problems, climate migration, extractive industries, illegal mining, pollution, poaching, animal trafficking, deforestation and climate change.
Ensuring these issues are visible is vital for promoting peace and democratic values globally.
In the face of the world’s triple planetary crisis – climate change, biodiversity loss and air pollution – misinformation campaigns that challenge scientific research methods and knowledge are becoming a serious threat.
Attacks on the validity of science endanger pluralistic and informed public debate. Misinformation, especially about climate change, can sometimes undermine international efforts to address these issues.
Misinformation about environmental issues can also lead to insufficient public and political support for climate action, effective policies, and the protection of vulnerable communities affected by climate change, including women and girls, as climate change tends to exacerbate existing inequalities.
For sustainable development, it is necessary for journalists to report accurately, timely, and comprehensively on environmental issues and their consequences, as well as on potential solutions.
Addressing these challenges in journalism however requires a comprehensive strategy. First, it’s essential to protect journalists from crimes and uphold their rights to freedom of expression and access to information while combating misinformation.
Enhancing the diversity and viability of media, particularly at regional and local levels, is crucial for fostering informed communities.
Moreover, the governance of digital platforms must promote transparency, accountability and user empowerment, aligning with international human rights standards as indicated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Additionally, promoting media and information literacy (MIL) programmes is key to empowering individuals with critical thinking skills necessary for navigating the digital environment effectively.
This approach will enhance public engagement and information quality across media platforms.
United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres, noted the “unprecedented environmental emergency” the world is currently facing, which poses an existential threat to this and future generations.
He emphasised the essential role of journalists and media workers in informing and educating the public, as highlighted in his message for World Press Freedom Day, observed every May 3.
“People need to know about this – and journalists and media workers have a key role in informing and educating them.”
As such, he believed that local, national and global media outlets should highlight stories about the climate crisis, biodiversity loss and environmental injustice.
“Through their work, people come to understand the plight of our planet, and are mobilised and empowered to take action for change.
“Media workers also document environmental degradation. And they provide evidence of environmental vandalism that helps to hold those responsible to account.”
Guterres acknowledged that environmental journalism has become an increasingly dangerous profession, as some powerful people, companies and institutions will stop at nothing to prevent journalists from doing their work.
He cited a UNESCO study that showed in the past 15 years, 750 attacks have been made on journalists and news outlets reporting on environmental issues, and 44 environmental journalists have been killed.
“But environmental journalists are not the only ones at risk,” he continued. “Around the world, media workers are risking their lives trying to bring us news on everything from war to democracy.
“I am shocked and appalled by the high number of journalists killed in Israeli military operations in Gaza.”
He then expressed the UN’s commitment to recognising the invaluable work of journalists and media professionals to ensure the public remains informed and engaged.
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, reiterated the severity of the Earth’s environmental situation, noting the average global surface temperature is now 1.45 degrees Celsius higher than in the pre-industrial era.
She stressed the dual challenges of climate and journalism, noting no effective climate action is possible without access to free and reliable scientific information.
“Over the next few weeks, we will also be launching initiatives specifically dedicated to the environment, to provide environmental journalists with greater protection and to strengthen media education and information on major social networks.
“On May 3 this year, UNESCO relayed a simple message: protecting free and pluralistic information also means protecting our democracies and our planet,” she added.
