• "The reporting on climate change should not focus on symptoms. You need to give the root cause and show urgency. Journalists need to expose these causes, backed by the facts from scientists,"

In a push to strengthen climate change journalism in Kenya, research scientist Dr John Recha has advised reporters to move beyond merely highlighting the symptoms of the climate change crisis and instead focus on exposing the root causes.

The call came during climate change reporting training sessions held in Kisumu County starting June 3, 2024, organised in partnership with GIZ and the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry.

"The reporting on climate change should not focus on symptoms. You need to give the root cause and show urgency. Journalists need to expose these causes, backed by the facts from scientists," emphasised Dr Recha.

The training is based on a newly developed Climate Change Reporting Training Manual, which covers a range of modules designed to equip journalists with the necessary principles, strategies, and expertise to navigate this critical beat.

"We need to internalise and own this training manual. We need to be well equipped to be able to tell climate change stories," said Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) President Zubeidah Kananu.

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The modules delve into understanding the science of climate change, examine legal and policy responses, enhance reporting strategies, incorporate gender and social inclusion, and provide insights on sustainable technologies and renewable energy trends, among other topics.

"A few years ago, issues of climate change were reserved for scientists. Currently, all sectors have gotten deep into it. This is because of the significant increase in the coverage of climate change," noted Kennedy Ouma from GIZ Kenya. "The media still needs to go beyond what they have done."

The training aims at equipping journalists with the knowledge and tools to report on the developments and policy changes that influence climate action, ultimately empowering the public with accurate and impactful information.

"As the media, we need to be able to respond to questions, as the public will always seek answers from us. Our role is not only to inform but also to educate. We need to report accurately on climate change matters," Kananu emphasised.