UNESCO Advocates for Robust Environmental Journalism to Counter Climate Disinformation

Rawalpindi, In a concerted effort to combat climate change misinformation, UNESCO Islamabad, together with Fatima Jinnah Women University, marked World Press Freedom Day by hosting an event that spotlighted the essential role of independent environmental journalism. The event, attended by over 100 participants from diverse sectors, stressed the urgency of credible reporting on environmental issues to effectively address global and local climate challenges.

According to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the session titled “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the face of the Environmental Crisis,” aimed to bridge the existing gap between the vast amount of climate change data available and its coverage in the media. Antony Kar Hung Tam, Officer in Charge of UNESCO Islamabad, highlighted the critical importance of the information ecosystem in tackling the climate crisis, emphasizing the need for reliable data and the promotion of independent journalism in the digital age.

The dialogue also featured Prof. Dr. Uzaira Rafique, Vice Chancellor of Fatima Jinnah Women University, who called for more research-based journalism to enhance the quality of climate change reporting in Pakistan. The country faces significant climate-related challenges, including catastrophic floods that impact millions, yet the issue often remains underreported in the media.

The event also included contributions from young scholars who have completed academic research on climate change reporting. They shared insights on the limited presence of climate change content on digital platforms, attributing it to factors such as search algorithms and inconsistent reporting practices.

The seminar concluded with a collective affirmation of UNESCO’s commitment to ensuring the safety of journalists and supporting access to information. This initiative aims to empower citizens to protect democracies and the planet by promoting a free and pluralistic flow of credible information.