Islamabad: More than 100 journalists from 35 media and research organizations participated in the British High Commission’s practical training on climate journalism. Journalists gained in-depth knowledge of the complex issues of climate change and conservation, discussed how journalism is on the front lines of climate change, explored how to find real climate stories on the ground, and practiced telling climate stories. They discussed the challenges that may exist in climate journalism, how to focus women and girls on climate stories, and committed to telling climate stories in the future. Journalists have reflected on the importance of finding and telling stories of community action related to climate change, going out into the field to find climate stories. They discussed how climate journalism can help people understand the impact of climate change on them and inspire them to take action. UK High Commission Director of Development Jo Moir said: We are pleased to bring journalists together to discuss the critical issue of climate change and biodiversity loss. Journalists play a key role in helping the people of Pakistan understand how climate change affects them. They can themselves change perceptions and inspire change. The event’s chief guest, former chairman of the Upper House Committee on Climate Change, Seemi Ezdi, said: Climate change is the defining issue of our time. We can either be the generation that let it go, or the one that took bold steps to stop it. Climate change is not just a distant threat, but a present reality requiring urgent action. The UK has played a significant role in supporting Pakistan’s response to the devastating floods in 2022. This includes providing more than 200,000 women with shelter kits and 48,000 students with teaching kits. However, the UK’s focus is not just on disaster relief, but on improving Pakistan’s climate resilience. They have already helped 1.5 million people improve their resilience to extreme climate events, and we aim to support another 3 million people over the next four years.
