Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Environment, has called for effective climate journalism to address the country’s environmental challenges.

At the 2024 World Press Freedom Day on Friday in Abuja, Mr Salako said there was a need to reaffirm the collective commitment to the principles of a free and independent press as a sine qua non for effective climate journalism.

The theme of this year’s celebration is “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis.’’

“Press freedom is indispensable to promoting transparency, accountability, and social justice. It is critical to communicate the threat posed by the climate crisis and make informed decisions to be more environmentally responsible.

“You as journalists have a critical role to play in driving environmental policy formulation and implementation and shaping public perception about the crisis,’’ said the minister.

According to him, journalism is pivotal in advancing the environmental agenda, serving as a catalyst for change, a watchdog for accountability, and a voice for the voiceless.

He said that through investigative reporting, insightful analysis, and compelling storytelling, journalists shed light on the pressing environmental crises facing the nation and inspired mass action towards positive change.

“Without such mass actions, we will be unable to win the fight against the environmental challenges confronting our country; ignorance, lack of awareness, and inappropriate knowledge about the climate crisis are still rampant in our society.

“This year’s theme cannot be coming at a better time as the world grapples with the greatest threat to our existence: the triple environmental crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution,” Mr Salako said.

Andrey Azoulay, director-general of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), said the ecosystem plays a key role in addressing environmental crises.

Mr Azoulay, represented by Abdourahamane Diallo, head of UNESCO Abuja, said it was pertinent to protect the earth by engaging the media in climate change activities in order to tackle environmental issues.

“As humanity faces up to this existential peril, we must remember, on this World Day, that the climate challenge is also a journalistic and informational challenge,” she said.

(NAN)