Coast journalists have been urged to leverage diverse media channels to educate their audiences to tackle the vagaries of climate change. Kenya Correspondents Association (KCA) Coast Region Chairman Omar Shungu says Journalists should be the champion of environmental conservation measures.
The World today commemorates World Press Freedom Day under the theme: “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis.”
Shungu noted that the environmental crisis facing the world is a great challenge that must be addressed by all and should not be left to the government and environmentalists alone.
“As journalists, we must shine a light on the urgent issues facing our environment, from climate change and deforestation to pollution and biodiversity loss,” Shungu said during a sensitization forum with Journalists. He challenged journalists to come up with write-ups on environmental stories that focus on marine ecosystems to preserve aquatic lives from extinction.
“Our work serves as a vital conduit for raising awareness, holding governments and corporations accountable, and empowering communities to take action,” he said, adding, that journalists play a pivotal role in the dissemination of information to the public.
The Chairman affirmed his commitment to ensuring journalists get training on climate change reporting.”We recognize the importance of accurate, evidence-based reporting in shaping public discourse and driving policy decisions that safeguard our planet for future generations,” said the KCA Chairman.
“Despite facing threats, intimidation, and censorship, journalists in Coast remain steadfast in their pursuit of truth and accountability. We stand in solidarity with our colleagues around the world who risk their lives to report on environmental issues in the face of adversity,” he added.
He further urged the government, corporations and civil societies to support and protect journalists who are at the forefront of environmental reporting. Shungu called for concerted efforts to harness the power of the media to address environmental degradation to build a sustainable future.
“On this World Press Freedom Day, let us recommit ourselves to the principles of a free and independent press, and let us harness the power of journalism to protect our planet for generations to come,” said Shungu.