Jodie Ginsberg, CEO of Internews’ European affiliate, is an international non-profit that supports independent media in 100 nations around the globe. Here is her opinion on the importance and potential benefits of solution-focused journalism in environmental journalism.
Climate reporting has moved from being a niche story in most national and global media to a dominant feature of almost all global headlines. However, stories from communities that are most affected by the climate crisis remain underfunded and can be dangerous to pursue.
It’s the human-interest stories that offer a real insight into the impact of the current climate crises, and in some cases can provide solutions.
Stories like the Salt levels risingThe waters of Bangladesh can cause high blood pressure and other health problems. Floods wipe out village in Nepal, and Ghanaian farmersIt is important to combat both flooding and drought. In the battle to galvanise public support, as well as political will, for tackling climate change, it is these stories – and the voices of those most impacted by climate change that we need to hear more of.
“Stories about how we can make practical positive change demonstrate to people who feel overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the challenge that something can be done now, that will make a difference,” says Joydeep Gupta, South Asia director at the Third Pole, an environmental news site that focuses on South Asia and the Himalayan region.
The ‘solution focused’ method
‘Solutions journalism’ as it is often called is rapidly growing in prominence, especially in those communities experiencing the most severe impacts of climate change. It’s also a method of reporting that could prove more successful than the more alarmist stories readers traditionally associate with climate reporting.
Houses in Assam, India have been destroyed by heavy rainfall. Many stories were told and extensive research was done to determine the rainfall levels in the area. new homes being built on stiltsCross-bracing bamboo supports a structure that can withstand flooding and earthquakes.
Godrej Group, an Indian multinational conglomerate, has partnered with SEEDS to finance the construction of 80 houses in the next year.
Another example of climate journalism solving problems was found in Colombia, when plans to build a controversial road through the Amazon were stopped after an investigation showed that they would be a severe threat to the ecosystem. It was thanks to the work of Colombian Journalist Andrés Bermudez Lievano.
Bridging the gap between science & public understanding
Journalists play a vital role in helping to bridge the gap between complex scientific information and the general public. They help both expose and explain issues. They can also help correct the misinformation and confusion surrounding the question of climate changes, which is a complex issue. Businesses urged leaders to address at this year’s COP26.
They stated that misinformation was hindering progress towards sustainability targets.
This is to put it in context: There were an estimated 3,800 journalists at this year’s COPYet, the countries most affected by climate changes had only one journalist reporting on their conversations and representing their interests. A mere 1% of reporters attended COP, with 30 of them representing low- and medium-income countries.
This must change.
Despite climate journalists providing solutions throughout their work, it’s these very people who in some cases are underfunded and under contact threat. At most, ten years ago 30 environmental reporters have been reported to have been killedAccording to the Committee to Protect Journalists, they are rewarded for their efforts.
Nazim Jokhiyo, a Pakistani amateur videographer, was murdered in December 2013 for reporting on illegal hunting of protected birds. His body was a victim to torture.
We need to be doing more – as media support organisations, as news outlets, as funders, as governments – to support, protect and elevate the journalists on the frontlines of environment reporting. They are an indispensable tool in the battle against climate change.