Media Urged To Drive Climate Action As Journalists Undergo Training On Environmental Reporting
At a time when climate change is reshaping economies, livelihoods, and ecosystems, the role of the media has never been more critical.
Recognising this, the International Labour Organisation (ILO), in partnership with the Citizens Free Services Forum, convened a two-day intensive agenda for over 30 environmental and climate journalists in Abuja, equipping them with the tools to better interpret, report, and inspire action on the climate crisis.
The training brought together journalists and media practitioners who were exposed to a range of topics central to today’s climate discourse.
Resource persons, including Comrade Eche Asuzu, Brother Stephen Agugua, Comrade Philip Jakpor, and Brother Elija Iklaga, among others, led sessions on climate change and just transition, the science of climate change, and the evolution of the struggle for a just transition.
Participants also examined contemporary environmental degradation and climate issues in Nigeria, situating local realities within a broader global context.
Beyond the science, the training emphasised the craft of communication as journalists were introduced to the basics of reporting environmental and climate issues, the role of the media as a tool for advocacy, and the need to translate global climate politics into national narratives.
The sessions also explored storytelling for social media as a means of widening reach and sparking conversation among diverse audiences.
Participants were reminded that journalists are not just conveyors of information but also catalysts for accountability, empowerment, and policy influence.
By mastering the art of telling human-centred climate stories, the media can amplify the voices of vulnerable communities, bridge the gap between complex science and public understanding, and highlight pathways to a just transition.
The training underscored that climate change is not only an environmental issue but also a developmental and social justice challenge.
As such, the responsibility of the press extends beyond coverage to sustained engagement, monitoring of government commitments, and shaping public perception.
For many participants, the sessions reinforced the urgency of their work: to ensure that climate justice is not treated as a distant, abstract debate but as a present and pressing reality that demands bold, collective action.
