The tendency towards shallow and episodic coverage fails to convey the gravity and immediacy of the climate crisis. For instance, reports on extreme weather events often focus on immediate damage, neglecting the underlying causes and long-term implications. Consider the destructive floods in Sindh and Balochistan. While initial coverage was extensive, focusing on the immediate humanitarian crisis, subsequent reporting failed to adequately address the systemic issues contributing to such disasters. The lack of in-depth analysis on climate change-induced sea level rise, glacial melt, and the impact of deforestation leaves the public ill-informed and unprepared.
I urge the media to adopt a more responsible and proactive approach to climate reporting. This includes providing in-depth and contextualised coverage, moving beyond episodic reporting to explore the root causes and long-term implications of climate change. It also requires prioritising scientific consensus, relying on credible sources like the IPCC and reputable scientific organisations. The media must also engage in solution-oriented journalism, highlighting successful adaptation and mitigation strategies, and utilise diverse platforms to reach wider audiences. A consistent and ongoing coverage is also needed, climate change is not a one-off event.
Majid Burfat
Karachi
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