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By Kevon Browne
ST. KITTS AND NEVIS (WINN) – Dr. Colin Young, Executive Director of the CARICOM Climate Change Centre, delivered a keynote address at the 55th Annual Caribbean Broadcasting Union Conference held at the Naia Resort and Spa, stressing the importance of the media in promoting environmental awareness in the Caribbean.
Environmental challenges facing the Caribbean
Dr. Young highlighted environmental challenges facing the region, including pollution, coral reef degradation and biodiversity loss. He cited recent global temperature records, noting that “July 22 and 23, 2024 were the hottest days in Earth’s recent history,” and cited the United Nations’ assessment that climate change poses a major threat to humanity.
The role of media in public perception
In his speech, Dr. Yang spoke about the role that the media plays in shaping the public’s understanding of environmental issues. He urged media professionals to explore the root causes and impacts of environmental challenges and go beyond superficial reporting. He also noted that people’s perceptions of environmental issues have changed, especially in terms of economic and social impacts.
Strategic Framework for Environmental Reporting
Dr. Yang recommends a four-pronged approach for media professionals to improve their environmental reporting:
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Focus on human impacts: Dr. Young suggests that the media should prioritize reporting on how environmental issues affect the daily lives and livelihoods of people in the Caribbean. This approach might involve asking about the impacts of environmental degradation on public health and the local economy.
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Reviewing policy effectiveness: He suggested that media coverage should include analysis of the effectiveness of environmental policies and the accountability of policymakers.
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Investigate leadership and resources: Dr. Young encouraged the media to investigate whether there is sufficient leadership, resources, and funding to effectively address environmental challenges.
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Linking Environmental Issues to Social Justice: He stressed the link between environmental issues and social justice, noting that while climate change contributes only a small amount to global greenhouse gas emissions, its impacts on the Caribbean region are particularly severe.
Combating climate change
Dr. Young identified climate change as a critical issue facing the Caribbean, noting that international efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have not yet yielded the desired results. He called on the media to hold leaders accountable for fulfilling their commitments to combat climate change.
In closing, Dr. Young encouraged Caribbean media professionals to collaborate to raise awareness of environmental issues and promote sustainable practices. He suggested that by working together, media throughout the region could provide opportunities for a more informed and engaged public, ultimately supporting efforts to address environmental challenges in the Caribbean.
Note: This article is based on a speech given by Dr. Colin Young, Executive Director of the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre, at the 55th Annual Conference of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union in Belize.
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