Climate reporting is the collection of data to tell stories about the changes in the climate in a timely manner, focusing on how it affects us and how we can mitigate it through policies and collective action.
In Africa, it also means demystifying Western narratives around climate change and including the African experiences and perspectives of climate change.
That means:
- Use local sources who understand the African experience.
- Make the information more accessible and relatable by talking about the day to day experiences.
- Tailor climate stories for different audiences, including rural communities, corporate/business/investors, and general readers.
- Don’t wait for disaster to strike: keep educating your audience about the effects of climate change.
Guidelines for climate reporting in Africa:
- Produce informative and timely climate-related information for affected communities and corporate awareness.
- Adopt a forward-thinking approach in tackling climate mitigation and adaptation.
- Collaborate with science analysts to simplify jargon and statistics for diverse audiences.
- Focus on community voices and success stories through documentaries to share practical achievements.
Empowering readers and influencing policy change:
- Provide actionable steps for readers to address climate change and reduce carbon footprint.
- Writers play a role in shaping policy advocacy and influencing developmental change.
- Climate knowledge should be intentional, context-specific, and inclusive, addressing vulnerabilities and solutions.
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