SHILLONG: The media workshop on climate change reporting in the Himalayas concluded on Friday with the emphasis on how to report on climate change as well as to bring together scientists, policy makers, media persons and civil societies to improve quality of coverage.
Dinesh C. Sharma, managing editor of India Science Wire emphasised on the importance of reporting issues relating to climate change as he asserted that some dismiss climate change as hype or conspiracy which often leads to denial or scepticism.
Addressing a gathering the conference hall at State Convention Center, he said, “India and China were not major polluters when climate change negotiations took place in the 1990s but currently they are amongst the top 5 polluters.”
He stated that it is not correct for every disaster to be attributed to climate change as some of the disasters maybe the result of policies and man – made factors.
Sharma asserted that climate change may not be categorised with environmental news as he pointed out that there are health impacts of climate such diseases caused due to heat-wave, increase in vector borne diseases etc.
He told journalists present at the workshop that reporting on climate change should include expert opinion, evidence and community perception.
Media round table
On the last day of the event, the discussion on the topic – “Building bridges among media, scientists and civil society.”
Speaking on the topic, Patricia Mukhim, editor, The Shillong Times, pointed to a grim reality when she said, “Climate change will affect all of us.”
Citing the example of world renowned Living Root Bridges that will be affected due to heavy footfalls, she said the destruction of Living Root Bridges will affect the climate in the areas.
In her speech, she pointed out that there is poisoning of rivers in the state, she said, “Rivers have turned into drains.”
On the reporting front, she said that media personnel need data and evidence to create a sense of urgency of climate change.
Meanwhile, Sanat K. Chakraborty, editor of Grassroot Option, said, “Human beings are at the center of climate change.”
Stating that climate is an unpredictable factor, he said, “Key resources are with the community and community action plan is needed.”
He pointed out of the significance for institutionalizing engagement with media and the community.
Subhash Ashutosh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, government of Meghalaya said, “Meghalaya has to go a long way in climate change.”
Highlighting that the state government has undertaken major study in village community and it is creating awareness on climate change by listening to the people’s perception.
