UK boosts climate journalism amid flood crisis

WEB DESK: The British High Commission in Pakistan has launched a climate journalism training initiative to strengthen media coverage of environmental issues as the country faces devastating monsoon floods. With climate inaction projected to cost Pakistan $1.2 trillion by 2050, the program aims to equip journalists with skills to report on climate impacts and solutions more effectively. The training has already engaged major media outlets including Dawn, Geo News, The Express Tribune and Jang in Islamabad, with sessions planned for Lahore and Karachi in coming weeks.

Deputy Director of Communications Sneha Lala emphasized the critical role of climate journalism, stating that while the economic and human costs of inaction are staggering, media professionals can drive meaningful change by highlighting solutions and holding policymakers accountable. “Climate journalism can incentivize action, spotlight solutions, and create change,” Lala said, expressing hope that the training would lead to more impactful environmental reporting.

The program features guidance from prominent Chevening alumni who have specialised in climate-related fields. Experts including WWF Pakistan’s Director General Hammad Naqi Khan, environmental journalist Syed Muhammad Abubakar, and Local Government Audit Director Sana Munir will share their expertise with participants. Seasoned journalists like Samaa Digital’s Muhammad Talal and Muhammad Asim Siddique, who previously completed the High Commission’s climate mentorship program, will also contribute to the training.

As part of the initiative, participating journalists will compete by submitting their best climate stories, with the winner receiving mentorship from Leo Hickman, editor of Carbon Brief. The British High Commission hopes this comprehensive training approach will elevate climate reporting standards across Pakistani media at a time when accurate, solution-oriented environmental journalism is most needed. With Pakistan consistently ranking among the nations most vulnerable to climate change, the program aims to ensure media can effectively inform the public and policymakers about both the challenges and potential solutions to the climate crisis.