Climate change journalist fellowships

Visiting CCMP journalists interview a local resident from the Polish lake district about the dropping water levels due to the nearby Konin mine and two power stations. Credits: Rod Harbinson / Panos London

The impacts of climate change are far reaching, with those living in poverty most vulnerable. Within this century hundreds of millions of people will be exposed to water scarcity, malnutrition, the spread of infectious diseases, heat waves, storms, floods and droughts, which will lead to loss of livelihoods and increased mortality. Yet these poor people are left out of discussion and planning and lack information to help them adapt to the impacts of climate change.

The media have a key role to play in raising understanding and awareness at global and local levels. Strong media can create debates, spread knowledge and help citizens to hold decision-makers to account and influence policies; but, in most developing countries, there is little media coverage of climate change and Southern journalists are marginalised from international discussion and decision-making.

Working with partners, Panos London has developed an exciting three-year programme for 2009-2011 which will ensure that developing country journalists can raise awareness and encourage debate in their own countries about tackling and adapting to climate change. And most importantly they will bring the voices of those from developing countries into important discussions and debates at UN summits.

“This is the first time in [UN climate summit] COP’s history [that] Vietnam’s media have as much news and articles on climate change. I have learned many precious experiences in writing about climate change. It is a good chance for me to inspire colleagues as well as young journalists in Vietnam News Agency on writing [about] environmental issues.” Vu Ha (Vietnam News Agency, Vietnam) 2008 journalist fellow.