Dr. Daniel Evans Eshett
…Α Keynote paper on the occasion of the 2024 World Press Freedom Day, by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, May 3, 2024
Introduction
The lives of billions of people worldwide are also being impacted by the climate and biodiversity crises, in addition to the environment and ecosystems. Their turbulent and heartbreaking tales ought to be heard and shared. It’s not always enjoyable to watch them. They might even be unsettling. However, that knowledge alone makes action possible. The first step in resolving the crisis is exposing it.
Journalists play a vital role in this process. Through their bravery and dedication, they shed light on the challenges we face and the actions needed. They are at the forefront of our collective efforts to safeguard the planet and ensure sustainable living conditions. (UN, 2024).
However, not much has been achieved in combating climate change’s impact on Nigeria and globally. This paper, in line with the theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day, A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of Environmental Crises, highlights the environmental crises, the role of journalism in mitigating environmental crises, the challenges faced by journalists in environmental reporting and make recommendations on the ways forward. Anchored on the framing theory, the paper adopts the secondary research approach.
Review of Concepts
Press
The word press is used to denote the aggregation of all mass media which comprise newspapers, radio, television, magazines, the internet, all social media platforms, and the journalists working on them. People such as reporters, photographers, and editors, who work for newspapers, magazines, and other media (Britannica.com).
Planet
Earth our home planet is the third planet from the Sun, and the f fth largest planet. It’s the only place known to be inhabited by living things (NASA, 2024)
What is Journalism?
Journalism involves the organized collection, evaluation, and dissemination of information considered newsworthy and relevant to the public. However, this basic definition, though helpful initially, conceals a significant amount of underlying complexity, (Lewis, 2019
Environmental Crisis
Climate change stands as the paramount crisis of our era, progressing more rapidly than anticipated. However, we possess substantial agency in confronting this global peril. As Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized in September, while we are currently trailing in the climate emergency race, victory remains within reach.
No region is untouched by the profound repercussions of climate change. Escalating temperatures drive environmental degradation, catastrophic weather events, food and water insecurity, economic turmoil, conflict, and terrorism. Sea levels surge, the Arctic diminishes, coral reefs wither, oceans acidify, and forests ignite.
Conceptual Review… Environmental Crises
Global Warming from Fossil Fuels
This is undoubtedly one of the biggest environmental problems of our lifetime: as greenhouse gas emissions blanket the Earth, they trap the sun’s heat, leading to global warming.
Biodiversity Loss
The past 50 years have seen a rapid growth of human consumption, population, global trade and urbanisation, resulting in humanity using more of the Earth’s resources than it can replenish naturally.
Conceptual Review… Environmental Crises
Plastic Pollution
Plastic takes 400 years to decompose. It will be many generations until it ceases to exist. There’s no telling what the irreversible effects of plastic pollution will have on the environment in the long run. Tons of plastic make their way into the oceans every year, harming wildlife habitats and the animals that live in them.
Deforestation
The widespread clearing of forests for agriculture, logging, and urbanization, results in habitat loss, biodiversity depletion, and climate change.
Conceptual Review… Environmental Crises
Flood
The overflow of water onto normally dry land, leads to property damage, and displaces communities, loss of lives, and disruptions to ecosystems and infrastructure.
Niger Delta Oil Pollution and Gas Flaring
The environmental degradation caused by oil spills, leaks, and gas flaring in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region, results in water and soil contamination, loss of livelihoods, health impacts on local communities, and social unrest.
Theoretical Framework
Framing Theory
This theory was put forward by Erving Goffman in 1974 with the premise that people interpret what is going on around their world through their primary framework. Framing in media studies is anchored on the idea that the way an issue is presented in the mass media can influence the audience. Mass media content producers decide where and what to place emphasis on in a story by the choice of phrases, images, positioning as well as content type to be used. The framing focuses on which topics or issues are selected for coverage by the news media. It looks at the particular ways those issues are presented.
A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of Environmental Crises
According to UNESCO (2024), this year’s World Press Freedom Day is dedicated to the importance of journalism and freedom of expression in the context of the current global environmental crisis. The organization notes that it is through awareness that change becomes possible, and making known the crisis is the first step towards a solution. it is through the work of the journalist, their courage, and their perseverance that everyone can know what is happening across the planet.
A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of Environmental Crises
Despite legislative efforts, journalists, especially women and minority voices, face increasing threats and disinformation campaigns globally, notably in conflict zones and countries with stringent media controls. Challenges persist both online and offline, including harassment, litigation, and targeted shutdowns of independent media outlets, raising concerns about press freedom and the concentration of media ownership (European Union, 2024).
2024 Cartoon Messages
The environmental crisis concerns all generations. To take action, we need to know what’s going on.
Let’s not turn a blind eye to climate change. Only with press freedom, we can hear the truth and open our eyes
Misinformation on climate change blocks us from seeing the truth.
In a world clouded by misinformation and threats to our planet, it’s hard to be free from the suffocating grip of climate change.
Like an iceberg, fake news often reveals just its tip.
Standing against climate change is everyone’s responsibility.
The toxic fumes of climate change are suffocating us.
With its devastating effects, the climate crisis looms large over us. We must defend the right to expose the harsh realities of our changing world.
2024 Cartoon messages
The countdown to save our planet from climate change has begun.
Our planet is facing a climate crisis. Journalists have the power to uncover and expose its effects
Journalists risk their lives to keep us informed. Protecting their safety is not just a duty but a necessity for democracy.
Act now to preserve biodiversity before it becomes a distant memory.
We cannot wait for everything to burn to ashes. We need to grill up some awareness about the bitter taste of global warming
Press freedom and climate change are like the shade of a tree in a scorching world-necessary for survival, but dwindling fast.
Source: UNESCO 2024.el
Challenges Faced by Environmental Journalists
- Access to information and sources
- Corporate and government censorship
- Threats to journalists’ safety
- Lack of resources and support
- Climate of misinformation and disinformation
Ways forward…
- Embracing Solutions-Focused Reporting:
Instead of solely highlighting doom and gloom scenarios, journalists should also explore innovative initiatives, successful conservation efforts, and promising technologies that offer hope and inspiration.
- Incorporating Diverse Voices and Perspectives:
Journalists should priorities’ inclusivity and representation in their reporting. By centering the voices of marginalized communities, Indigenous peoples, and frontline activists, journalism can provide a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of environmental challenges and solutions, fostering empathy, solidarity, and collective action.
Ways forward…
- Adjusting News Determinants when Reporting Environmental Issues:
The news determinants currently used in the training of journalists, particularly prominence, magnitude, oddity and novelty, if applied to environmental reporting cannot allow for inclusivity.
- Prioritising Training of Journalists:
In this era of technology enhanced information sharing and citizens journalism, there is need for the training of journalists.
Ways forward…
- Adoption of Advocacy:
Environmental journalists should adopt Advocacy journalism as a strategy to bring environmental crises to the notice and understanding of stakeholders.
- Adapting to Emerging Technologies and Communication Platforms: Environmental journalism should embrace emerging technologies and communication platforms to enhance storytelling, engage audiences, and drive impact.
Ways forward…
- Promoting Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing:
Future environmental journalism thrives on collaboration, cooperation, and knowledge sharing among journalists, scientists, policymakers, and civil society actors.
- Addressing Disinformation, Misinformation and Media Literacy:
In an era of misinformation and disinformation, journalism should play a critical role in upholding journalistic standards, promoting accuracy, and combating misinformation. It should prioritise fact-checking, verification, and transparency in reporting, ensuring the integrity and credibility of environmental stories.
Ways forward
Data journalism and investigative techniques:
Data-driven reporting or what used to be called precision journalism should be applied in environmental journalism to enable journalists uncover hidden patterns, trends, and connections in environmental data.
Citizen journalism and crowd-sourced reporting
Citizen journalists and grassroots activists are playing an increasingly important role in environmental reporting, using social media, mobile technology, and crowd sourcing platforms to document environmental threats and advocate for change.
Ways forward…
- Ensuring Security and Safety of Journalists: Governments at the national and sub-national levels should ensure security of lives in Nigeria. Journalists are constantly facing serious threats to life arising from insecurity. This situation has hampered environmental reporting.
- Conclusion
In the face of escalating environmental crises, the role of environmental journalism has never been more crucial nor has its potential for impact more significant. As we reflect on the past, present, and future of environmental journalism, it is evident that journalists wield a formidable power to inform, inspire, and catalyze action in the pursuit of environmental sustainability and social justice.
Eshett is Dean, School of Communication Arts, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria.
