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