Empowering journalists to report on climate solutions
On 16 June, the Renewable Energy Coalition, which represents a diverse group of Civil Society Organisations, community-based groups, and grassroots movements, trained twelve selected journalists from five media outlets, including radios and newspapers, in Parakou.
In a world increasingly grappling with the realities of climate change, the role of journalism is more crucial than ever. Recognizing the need for accurate and compelling reporting on climate solutions and renewable energy, the training aimed at equipping journalists with the tools and knowledge necessary to cover the feasibility of climate solutions to their audiences.
The training was conducted by two specialized journalists and focused on the following topics:
- Enhance understanding of climate science - journalists were given a comprehensive overview of climate science, helping them understand the fundamental principles and current state of research
- Explore renewable energy technologies - detailed sessions were conducted on various renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind, hydropower, and bioenergy, highlighting their potential and challenges
- Improve storytelling techniques—Journalists learned the basics of advanced storytelling techniques to make their reports more engaging and accessible to the general public.
The training blended theoretical knowledge and practical exercises. Renowned environmental journalists were invited to share their insights. One of the most impactful sessions was a workshop on data journalism, where participants learned how to interpret and visualize climate data effectively. This session underscored the importance of presenting data in a way that is both informative and easy to understand for readers.
The feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive. Many journalists expressed that the training had significantly broadened their understanding and given them new tools to approach their reporting.
By empowering journalists with the knowledge and skills to report accurately and compellingly on climate solutions and renewable energy, we can help ensure that the public remains informed and engaged in the fight against climate change. This training marks a significant step towards more effective climate communication, and its ripple effects will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
By Christian Hounkannou
350Africa.org
GIFSEP Empowers Environmental Stewards in Secondary Schools in Nigeria
“Good habits formed at youth make the difference” - Aristotle.
In recognition of this, the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP) is undertaking a project targeted at building the capacity of students and teachers to address Climate Change primarily by promoting environmental stewardship through behavioural change and skills in renewable energy and waste management.
The Project whose implementation began in November 2017 targets Senior Secondary Schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria. It is being implemented under the supervision of the FCT Secondary Education Board and funded by the United Nations Development Programme's Global Environmental Facility Small Grants Programme.
Thus far, activities carried out have included training workshops and school visitations.
The project has equipped students and teachers through numerous trainings on climate change, renewable energy and waste management to address environmental challenges. Through our support, the students have been able to establish environmental clubs in their schools which now serves as the primary vehicle for taking climate action in their respective schools. The Capacity Building of Students to address climate change project, has received numerous positive commendations from the Secondary Education Board, FCT Schools management, teachers and students and more. Consequently, the project has been able to secure the commitment of teachers to raise a generation of green champions in their schools. Also, the students have pledged to the good environmental stewards.
Only recently, the GIFSEP team visited schools in FCT-Nigeria to officially establish new environmental clubs in Schools while also encouraging pre-existing environmental clubs to continue to take definite climate action. Overall, the students, teachers and the school management show great enthusiasm towards the project and have all committed to be ambassadors of the environment.