Climate change adaptation, environmental protection measures are increasingly important – US Mission – EnviroNews

Public Affairs Officer, US Consulate, Julie McKay, says climate change adaptation and action to protect the environment and the planet are increasingly important for the US, Nigeria and the world.

She made this known in her remarks during a virtual program organized by the US Mission in collaboration with UNESCO and the United Nations Information Center.

The program was part of activities to mark World Press Freedom Day 2024.

The theme for the 2024 commemoration is: “A press for the planet: journalism in the face of the environmental crisis.”

This dayy, promulgated by the UN General Assembly in 1993, serves as a reminder to governments and stakeholders of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom.

It is also a day of reflection among media professionals on issues of press freedom and professional ethics, and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives.

According to McKay, one of the top priorities of the U.S. mission in Nigeria is to help strengthen resilience to climate change and promote inclusive and sustainable development.

“As we celebrate World Press Freedom Day, the role of a free, independent press is more important than ever. What you do is important.

“The ongoing climate crisis is perhaps the biggest news story of our time, and the greatest threat modern humans have ever faced.

“Data shows that the past decade was the hottest decade in human history; Forest fires, floods and droughts have become the new normal.”

She noted that journalists around the world, regardless of their pace, were increasingly reporting on the crisis and its many consequences.

According to her, journalism today is going through challenging times with smaller budgets and fewer staff, coupled with the reality of a 24-hour news cycle.

This, she said, has seriously diminished journalists’ ability to produce balanced, thoughtful reports on complex topics, let alone the science of heavy topics like environmental protection and climate change.

“Today’s program is designed to help participants learn basic scientific reporting, gain environmental research and reporting skills, and apply this new knowledge to environmental reporting assignments.

“There are many local environmental stories to tell in Nigeria, and I hope this program will help journalists tell them better for the good of the country,” said McKay.

Abdourahamane Diallo, UNESCO Representative to Nigeria, said the role of the media in shaping public opinion and influencing behavior necessary for the protection of the Earth should not be underestimated.

Diallo noted that engaging the media and climate change actors to address the global climate challenge was necessary to counter myths and disinformation related to the planetary crisis.

“UNESCO has identified that the information ecosystem must play a key role in responding to this existential crisis.

“Unfortunately, misinformation about the environmental crisis is crippling political support for climate action, effective policies and the protection of vulnerable communities, including women and girls affected by climate change,” he noted.

By Busayo Onijala