Africa lives on a carter of a volcano that can explode any moment. It is one of the most affected continents by climate change. International reports indicate that 7 African countries are among the 10 most susceptible countries to climate crises in the world.
Although it is only responsible for 4% of the greenhouse gases emitted in the world, the African continent pays a huge price for industrial revolution, fossil fuels and human activities that do not respect nature. It is getting worse in some African countries due to their geographical characters besides deteriorating political and economic circumstances.
الأكثر قراءة
The role of Environmental Media
Amid all this climate chaos and recurring humanitarian crises in Africa, local environmental media, which plays a crucial role in combating climate challenges and raising public awareness, is becoming increasingly important. It is the bridge through which scientific information and studies pass simplistically to institutions and members of society.
Media coverage of local climate issues, possible practical solutions and the involvement of tribal communities would enhance public participation and involvement in the environmental issue, thereby increasing opportunities for adaptation, disaster response and avoidance or minimization of losses.
According to Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) of the United Nations, the media shapes the public discourse on climate change within any society and its coping mechanisms. The power of "Shaping or directing public opinion", owned by the media, can usefully build strong public support in the face of the crisis, accelerates its mitigation and activates efforts to reduce global warming.
“IPCC” explained that climate journalism plays a unique role in covering one of the most pressing issues of the present era, especially within the most affected communities, which are impoverished by climate shocks. This places great responsibility on media organizations and journalists.
“Green in Arabic” decided to open the environmental media file in the most affected Arab-African countries by climate change through surveying a group of journalists and activists in the field of environment and African-Arabic affairs, in a real attempt to transmit the environmental media reality honestly; providing a platform to convey their perspectives on the role of the media in dealing with the crisis within their own countries, the handling of the risks of natural disasters by press institutions and their recommendations for reaching an influential local media experience in line with the specificities of the world's southern countries.
political crises, which are the consequences of climate change , Sudan's environmental media is absent from the landscape
Sudan and marginalization of the role of environmental media
The start is from Sudan is experiencing a human tragedy, as described by the International Organization for Migration, where the environmental file casts its shadows on all the events in the country.
Sudanese journalist “Khaled Hashem” confirms that the climate change is one of the most important reasons for social and political instability in Sudan. The climate emergency has fueled conflicts and tensions since “Darfur crisis”; which is ranked globally among the first climate wars of the twentieth century, because it began as a result of the conflict over natural resources.
“Hashem” believes that the economic consequences of drought and livestock loss in Sudan have left many members of the pastoral tribes in poverty and unemployment without means of subsistence. Young people displaced from a harsh desert environment are exploited and recruited to become fuel for these wars.
On the media file, “Hashem” argues that despite all these humanitarian and political crises, which are the consequences of climate change , Sudan's environmental media is absent from the landscape. In general, press institutions do not focus on covering the climate issue as part of the country's national affairs, except in occasions and government events.
The Sudanese journalist sees the reason for this is the domination of printed newspapers, whose primary concern is politics, while neglecting other specialized areas and other sections; what makes the issue such as climate and agriculture out of the interest of institutions and journalists, with the exception of individual efforts from some media cadres.
A discussion took place with “Khaled Hashem” on the press coverage of climate disasters in the Sudan, one of the most vulnerable countries to climate variability, owing to droughts, extreme rainfall volatility and depletion of water sources, according to The United Nations Environment Programme “UNEP”.
In “Hashem's” view, Sudanese press coverage of disasters often focuses only on the humanitarian aspect and the outcome of damage and loss. Although some of these disasters are repeated annually, such as floods, the public information continues to focus on addressing outcomes rather than causes, and does not seek to discuss possible solutions or take advantage of similar international experiences.
Based on his journalistic experience with a number of local and international media organizations, and his participation in some events and conferences in Sudan, "Hashem" noted that efforts are being made by community members, some climate and environmental experts and specialists to adapt to climate change in the Sudan, including projects on improving high temperature resistant wheat seeds, farmers' training courses and educational lectures on sustainable agriculture. But, Sudanese media does not adequately reflect these efforts.
In conclusion, Sudanese journalist “Khaled Hashem” stressed that the climate crisis is a major factor in exacerbating conflicts and problems in the country, which society must realize. Media should also promote environmental awareness, conserve resources and adopt a sustainable lifestyle, and promote innovative climate adaptation projects so that societies can settle down and problems disappear.
He denoted that Sudan is an agricultural country dependent on natural resources threatened by the phenomena of drought and desertification, which led to economic degradation and widespread unemployment; What prompts young Africans in general to engage in conflict and civil wars, adding: "Unfortunately, the press is dealing with the results, as if the problem is only political without looking for the climate roots of the crisis".
Mauritania... positive steps
From the east of Africa to its far west; despite this spatial dimension, climate shocks remain the greatest concern for Mauritania, and are among the most important causes of extreme poverty among more than 16.6% of the population, according to “Oxfam” International Organization.
Environmental media also remains ineffective. According to Mauritanian journalist “Mariam Fadil Abbas”, who explained that traditional media focuses on the news itself and its consequences or the timely coverage of climate events, which ends at the end of the event. There is no continuity of coverage, noting that it is rare to find, for example, an environmental show at any Mauritanian media organization.
Although the environmental press is not present heavily on the Mauritanian media map, the conversation with “Mariam Fadel” may have several positive messages regarding the future, and some journalists' efforts to move stagnant waters in the climate media world. More than 30 Mauritanian journalists and content creators gathered and successfully founded Mauritania's first network of environmentally interested journalists, “The Network of Environmental and Sea Journalists and Correspondents”, chaired by “Mariam Fadil”.
On the specific reason for choosing the marine environment, “Mariam” said that most of the country's economy depends on coastlines spanning more than 700 km. In the midst of a mostly desert environment, the Atlantic beaches represent the country's only port of life and it is one of the richest global beaches by fish, marine organisms and coral reefs. Mauritania's coastline is a constant stop on the annual fish migration journey from northern Europe and Australia.
“Mariam” stated that the network's objectives were to create a specialized and environmentally sensitive press and to conduct training workshops for journalists on communication and environmental journalism to enable them covering these issues in depth. Noting that such trainings take place within natural places such as reserves aiming at raising journalists' awareness of the importance of preserving resources and reserves. Moreover most participants from journalists and content creators live near these places and reserves, thus it is considered a kind of community engagement in awareness-raising and training processes.
The Network is also interested in cooperation with civil society organizations and regional institutions for the preservation of marine environment, producing environmental press materials and audio-visual reports written in Mauritanian national languages and broadcasting them at local stations.
“Mariam Fadil Abbas” is Head of the Mauritanian Television Programme Service, official channel. So, she tries to include environmental concepts in some TV shows, explaining that she is planning this year to prepare and produce a special TV environmental show to discuss this important issue.
On press coverage of Somalia's climate disasters, “Shamsuddin Abdel Rahman” considers that they often paint a bleak picture, highlighting humanitarian crises and immediate losses. While this is important for mobilizing assistance, there is a need for a more deep and thorough analysis of the climate issue.
Somalia... Activating the role of investigative journalism
Climate change has been threatening the Horn of Africa for years, and Somalia is among the 10 countries most vulnerable to climate disasters in the world, according to the International Rescue Committee (IRC). The challenges of drought, flash floods, severe food insecurity, and the spread of malnutrition threaten the lives of children.
Amid these climate shocks, how does the media landscape look like there? “Green in Arabic” asked this question to Somali activist and climate justice advocate “Shamsuddin Abdel Rahman”, who explained that Somalia still faces challenges in developing a strong media scene in general, but there are increasing efforts in the field of specialized environmental journalism.
The Somali activist pointed out that there are environmental initiatives and programs that work to raise the level of climate awareness by producing content that discusses the environmental issue in local languages, so that it reaches all groups, with a focus on topics such as drought, deforestation, and adaptation strategies. He went on to say: "However, the publication of this content and its widespread impact within the country remain difficult and limited, especially in rural and local areas."
On press coverage of Somalia's climate disasters, “Shamsuddin Abdel Rahman” considers that they often paint a bleak picture, highlighting humanitarian crises and immediate losses. While this is important for mobilizing assistance, there is a need for a more deep and thorough analysis of the climate issue.
The Somali environmental activist stressed that a greater focus on investigative journalism that works to uncover the root causes of the climate crisis, such as unsustainable land practices and governance, could play a significant role in addressing the essence of the country's environmental problem.
The Somali activist emphasized that successful adaptation to climate change could contribute to reducing conflict and instability in Somalia by addressing the issues of resource scarcity, food insecurity and displacement, which often lead to conflict. Thus, environmental adaptation efforts could have a broader resonance of social impact and protection of vulnerable communities. In addition, dissemination and practice of adaptation methods within communities might support cooperation and promote social cohesion, but he stressed that all of that require a holistic approach that addresses environmental and social challenges first.
The activist “Shamsuddin Abdel Rahman” concluded: "Despite all the challenges faced by Somalia in terms of specialized environmental media and comprehensive coverage of climate disasters, there is an increase in efforts to raise awareness and seek solutions to the crisis in the country."
Dr. Amena Fazaa mentioned that the function of environmental media is to influence individuals' behaviors and practices to protect the environment and its resources, especially within marginalized communities; to achieve sustainable development.
Recommendations and proposed solutions
In order to promote environmental media in Africa, with all its specificity and multiculturalism, “Green in Arabic” talked to Dr. Amena Fazaa, The President of the Environment and Sustainable Development Sector of the African Assembly and the National Committee of the African Union, who initially noted that climate change is a major challenge for the African Arab countries, affecting the lives of their people and their economy, and can exacerbate social and political tensions due to scarce resources and deteriorating livelihoods. By extension, it increases poverty, migration and fuels conflicts within these countries.
Dr. Amena Fazaa mentioned that the function of environmental media is to influence individuals' behaviors and practices to protect the environment and its resources, especially within marginalized communities; to achieve sustainable development.
In order to reach effective local environmental media experiences commensurate with the African Arab countries, the President of the Environment and Sustainable Development Sector of the African Society and the National Committee of the African Union stressed that the road should begin by promoting environmental awareness among media personnel through training and education, acquiring the necessary skills for accurate press coverage of climate topics, as well as encouraging communication between journalists and environmental experts in order to exchange information.
She noted the need for media organizations to focus on launching comprehensive awareness-raising campaigns targeting different social and age groups, using traditional and advanced media, ensuring communication with the public in all ways, such as social media and digital applications, exploiting modern technologies, such as "virtual reality", to provide interactive and live learning experiences.
Dr. Amena called for strengthening environmental legislation, activating anti-corruption mechanisms and ensuring transparency to provide support and protection to environmental journalists, and facilitate access to relevant information and sources for the production of objective and influential reports. She also called for building strong partnerships between media, NGOs and civil society, assisting journalists and local media organizations, supporting dialogue and encouraging members of society to participate in environmental decision-making, and listening to these views and including them in decision-making mechanisms.
Finally, the President of the Environment and Sustainable Development Sector of the African Assembly and the National Committee of the African Union noted the need to strengthen regional cooperation in the field of environmental media and the establishment of regional conferences and events aiming at exchanging experiences and knowledge between countries and media institutions in the African Arab region.
At the end of this debate, we can say that "climate change is the root of many evils on the brunette continent"; He is responsible for natural disasters and their economic and humanitarian repercussions, and is also the "hidden hand" behind conflicts, wars and instability within communities.
In order to defuse the "crisis triad" of climate disasters, armed conflicts and social tensions, climate change must be extinguished by activating the role of environmental media within African Arab societies, while spreading awareness and climate resilience, encouraging the adoption of recovery and developmental programs, and communicating with different groups and ages using all traditional and modern tools.
