By Daniel Adaji
On 27 November 2023, the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) organized a workshop in Abuja, Nigeria to train media professionals on how to cover climate change issues effectively.
The workshop brought together over 50 climate and media experts from Nigeria and the UN, as well as heads of relevant agencies in Nigeria.
The workshop aimed to raise awareness about the social, economic, and political impacts of climate change, and the role of journalists in informing the public, promoting information sharing and accountability, and highlighting solutions and best practices.
The workshop also stressed the importance of providing local evidence of climate change and adapting mitigation and adaptation strategies to the local context.
The Secretary General of the WMO, Prof. Petteri Taalas, represented by Mr. Bernard Edward Gomez, WMO representative for North, Central and West Africa, said that journalists can empower local communities to understand climate change impacts, develop resilience strategies, and advocate for their needs.
He also urged journalists to dispel misinformation and focus on solutions-oriented reporting.
“Climate change is a social justice issue, and solutions to climate change should also be localized,” said the Director General of the Nigeria Meteorological Station (NiMet), Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu.
He added that the media plays a major role in ensuring justice is served through proper reporting.
The representative of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lady Florence Wenegieme, said that the collaboration of media and critical stakeholders in addressing climate change disasters is very crucial at this time.
She said that the press is a key partner in reporting climate change.
