ISLAMABAD: A two-day national climate reporting training in Islamabad brought together journalists from across Pakistan to strengthen their understanding of climate change, its impacts and the need for more effective, people-centered environmental journalism.
Organized by the German Red Cross and Pakistan Red Crescent Society, the training brought together male and female journalists from all four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and the tribal districts. Participants represented 25 districts, creating a platform for professional learning, knowledge-sharing and networking among media professionals covering climate and humanitarian issues.
Journalists Urged to Add Climate Context to Everyday Reporting
The training focused on equipping journalists with contemporary skills to report climate change and related risks accurately, responsibly and in accessible language.
Speakers emphasized that climate change has moved beyond being solely an environmental concern and is increasingly linked to humanitarian issues, including livelihoods, food security, water resources, health, housing and infrastructure.
Pakistan remains highly vulnerable to climate-related hazards, including floods, extreme rainfall, heatwaves, droughts and glacier-related risks. Such events can result in loss of life and damage to homes, crops, roads, bridges and other infrastructure.
Participants were therefore encouraged to move beyond conventional event-based reporting and incorporate a climate change angle into relevant weather and environmental stories.
Rather than simply reporting that a flood, heatwave, drought or episode of extreme rainfall occurred, journalists were encouraged to examine the wider context, including contributing factors, effects on communities, expert assessments and potential future risks.
Training Combines Reporting Skills With Practical Exercises
The programme included sessions on story writing, climate-sensitive reporting and practical exercises. Participants worked on developing stories that combine reliable information and data with the experiences of people affected by climate-related hazards.
Speakers stressed the importance of accurate information and responsible storytelling in communicating complex scientific and environmental issues. Human-centered reporting, they said, can help make climate risks more understandable and relevant to wider audiences.
The opening session featured remarks by Asif Aman of the German Red Cross. Blogger and vlogger Abdul Razzaq Khatti, Kecra Project representatives Sajjad Qandheer and Murtaza Talpur, and moderator Aniba Waqar also contributed to discussions.
Deputy Director Media and Communications of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society Sher Zaman delivered a multimedia presentation on the history, activities and humanitarian role of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Assistant Director Rehan Ali also participated in the training.
Focus on Climate and Humanitarian Reporting
The training also introduced participants to the humanitarian work of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including its role in responding to natural disasters and emergencies.
The programme concluded with an emphasis on stronger collaboration among journalists and continued coverage of climate change through social, economic, environmental and humanitarian perspectives.
As Pakistan faces significant climate-related risks, participants highlighted the role of accurate and responsible journalism in helping communities understand hazards, improve preparedness and build resilience.
Photography for the training was covered by Usman Bangash and Zaka Rasool.