BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO
THE role of media in reporting the climate crisis has become more important than ever before, says the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) office.
Karl Kuper on behalf of SPREP highlighted this during the official closing ceremony of the 6th Pacific Media Summit in Honiara.
“Let me remind you that the role of the media in reporting this climate crisis has become even more important than ever before,” Kuper said.
“As the ears and eyes of members of the public, the media has a duty to not only inform and educate but to continue to share our Pacific voices so our fight for 1.5 to stay Alive remains strong and visible,” he added.
“We can do this by giving scientists, policymakers and even activists a platform to speak directly to people, the media can powerfully translate the impacts of climate change in an understandable and a conceivable way.”
For instance, he said local news organisations can show the impact of climate change in their communities’ own context.
“In this way, localised media can give its inhabitants a chance to work grassroots and connect to countrywide policymakers to see what they can do.
“I want to emphasise that the Pacific media is crucial in sharing our climate change experiences and how we address these challenges as we strive for resilience.
“We are grateful for the work that you do.
“The stories we are celebrating tonight have highlighted our Pacific people’s fighting spirit and our resilience,” Kuper said.
