Cold temperatures and torrential storms swept through parts of the Western Cape, damaging homes, buildings and livelihoods, raising flags around the importance of understanding climate change in the local context better.
South Africa’s conditions are just as worrying: South Africa is warming at more than twice the global average rate. This means that on current emissions trends, South Africa faces a 5 – 6C temperature increase by 2100 or sooner, according to The Climate Reporting Guide for South Africa by Fossil Free SA.
In addition to this, people are already experiencing the consequences of climate change in many ways including:
- extreme weather events such as floods and runaway fires are made more likely by climate change and are damaging property, infrastructure and livelihoods
- water supplies are threatened 2 in many areas of South Africa including Makhanda, and scientists say Gauteng could well experience Day Zero in the next two decades
- Agriculture will suffer as temperatures increase, diminishing food security.
It’s increasingly important that journalists are skilled and adept when reporting on unprecedented climate crises. The reporting guide provides a comprehensive framework for journalists to improve their coverage of this critical topic.
1. Contextual reporting: To write compelling climate stories, journalists should provide context that connects global climate events to local realities. Highlighting the direct impacts of climate change on local communities, agriculture, and biodiversity can make the issue more relatable to the audience. For example, drawing parallels between global climate patterns and regional droughts, floods, or heat waves can help readers understand the problem’s immediacy.
2. Focus on solutions: While it is essential to report on the challenges posed by climate change, it is equally important to highlight solutions. South African media replicate reporting models of international outlets that emphasise innovative solutions and successful case studies in renewable energy, conservation, and sustainable practices. Reporting on local initiatives and community efforts to combat climate change can inspire action and hope among readers.
3. Amplify diverse voices: Climate change affects different communities in varying ways, and their stories need to be told. South African journalists should strive to include diverse voices in their reporting, particularly those from marginalised and vulnerable communities who are often the most affected by climate change. By doing so, they can provide a more comprehensive and inclusive perspective on the issue.
4. Collaborate with experts: Accurate climate reporting requires a solid understanding of complex scientific data. Collaborating with climate scientists, environmental experts, and NGOs can help journalists accurately interpret data and convey it in an accessible manner. This collaboration can also provide credibility to their stories and ensure they are credible.
5. Investigative journalism: Investigative journalism can play a crucial role in uncovering the root causes of climate change and holding accountable those responsible for environmental degradation. Some examples are investigating the impacts of fossil fuel industries, deforestation, and illegal wildlife trade. By investing in in-depth investigations, journalists can shed light on systemic issues and drive policy changes.
Climate reporting requires constant learning and re-skilling because, like journalism, it is constantly evolving. These guidelines can assist South African media enhance their climate change reporting, making it more accurate, impactful, and engaging for their audience. This, in turn, can contribute to greater public awareness and action on climate issues and ultimately mitigate the impacts of climate change in South Africa and beyond.
Content Writer