Journalists reporting climate change have been tasked to prioritize environmental reporting towards escalating climate awareness and promote mitigation being undertaken by companies like Dangote Group.
Aliu Akoshile, Publisher Editor in Chief, NatureNews, gave the charge at a 2 day Environmental Journalism Workshop sponsored by Dangote Group on the theme: Reporting The Environment For Sustainability, described Journalists as change educators,
tasked to be solution oriented in their reportage.
Making a presentation on Journalism in the era of climate change: Responsibilities, Challenges and Opportunities, Akoshile urged Journalists to ensure accuracy, balance and fairness in their reportage on the environment.
Akoshile described climate change as ravaging different parts of the world, with the earth presently endangered, called on journalists and media organizations to prioritize environmental reporting towards escalating climate awareness and to promote mitigation initiative as solution.
Akoshile urged Journalists to consider the environment first in their news judgement and news slanting so as to ensure that climate change is effectively mitigated for the sustainability of the mother earth.
Towards an effective climate change journalism, he advocated a shift in
Data journalism and visualization, collaborative and investigative journalism, said the need to engage audience through interactive media, solution journalism and constructive narrative has become very important.
Akoshile advised Journalists to in their report translate scientific findings for public use. He added that environmental report must bridge the gap between experts and communication, as well as provide climate literacy and behavioral change, while ensuring that their reportage inspires citizens journalism and grassroots movement
This Akoshile argued can be achieved through diverse engagements that looks at perspectives and sourcing information, while avoiding framing and contextualization.