Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Consulate, Julie McKay, says adaptation to climate change and measures to protect the environment and planet are increasingly important for the U.S., Nigeria, and the world.
She made this known in her remarks at a virtual programme organised by the U.S. Mission in partnership with UNESCO and the United Nations Information Centre.
The programme was part of activities to mark the 2024 World Press Freedom Day.
The theme for the 2024 commemoration is, “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the face of the Environmental Crisis.”
This day, proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993, serves as a reminder to governments and stakeholders of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom.
It is also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics, as well as to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives.
According to McKay, one of the U.S. mission’s top priorities in Nigeria is to help strengthen resilience to climate change, while promoting inclusive and sustainable development.
“As we celebrate World Press Freedom Day, the role of a free independent press is more important than ever. What you do matters.
“The ongoing climate crisis is perhaps the biggest news story of our time, and the biggest threat that modern humans have ever faced.
“Records show that the last decade was the hottest in human history; wildfires, floods and droughts have become the new normal.”
She noted that increasingly, journalists all over the world, no matter their beat, were reporting on the crisis and its many consequences.
According to her, journalism today is going through challenging times with smaller budgets and fewer staff, coupled with the reality of a 24-hour news cycle.
This, she said, severely reduced the capacity of journalists to produce balanced, thoughtful reports on complex topics, let alone the science of heavy topics of environmental protection and climate change.
“Today’s programme has been designed to help participants learn basic science reporting, gain environmental research and reporting skills and apply this new knowledge for environmental reporting assignments.
“There are many local environmental stories to be told in Nigeria, and my hope is that this programme will help journalists tell them better for the benefit of the country,” McKay said.
Abdourahamane Diallo, UNESCO Representative in Nigeria, said the role of the media in shaping public opinion and influencing behaviour necessary for protecting the earth could not be underestimated.
Diallo noted that engaging the media and climate change actors to address the global climate issue was necessary to counter myths and disinformation associated to planetary crisis.
“UNESCO has identified that information ecosystem has a key role to play in responding to this existential crisis.
“Unfortunately, misinformation about environmental crisis is crippling political support for climate action, effective policies and the protection of vulnerable communities, including women and girls affected by climate change,” he noted.
By Busayo Onijala
