“Climate Journalism”: AAS & Partners Explore Journalistic Contributions organized consultative session

ISLAMABAD: (Khurram Shahzad, Special Correspondent) To highlight the imperative narrative of climate change and role of media in confronting this global phenomena, Humanitarian Organization (AAS) in collaboration with its esteemed partners Muslim Hands, Pakistan Humanitarian Forum (PHF), and the International Rescue Committee organized a consultative session on “Climate Journalism” at local hotel in Islamabad. The session was attended by the representatives from print and electronic media organizations.

While moderating the inaugural session Khuram Jilani shed the light on “Climate Change and its impact in the context of Pakistan”. He identified the challenges faced by Pakistan due to this global phenomenon. He also provided the statistics on temperature fluctuations, precipitation changes and winter warming. He said platform COP is a beacon of hope for ensuring climate justice. He shed light on natural disasters occurred between 1990-2020, also their impacts on health infrastructure, education, society and economy. He also underscored the pivotal role of data in informed decision-making processes.

Representative of National Disaster Management Authority Ms. Sofia Siddique talked about “National Climate Change Policy of Pakistan and COP 28.” She underscored the media’s crucial role in disaster communication and engaged the audience in an interactive discussion on information dissemination and the responsibility of media platforms.

During the panel discussion on “Adapting Climate Protection Measures in Pakistan and COP 28″, Syed Shahid Kazmi stressed the need for close coordination amongst all stakeholders. He applauded the role of National Disaster Management Authority in coordinating response in disaster situations. He further apprised the establishment of state-of-the-art National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) and stated that NEOC will help in coordinated efforts to not only managing natural disasters in the future but will help in disaster risk reduction and mitigation of damages.

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Sarmad Iqbal, the head of advocacy for the International Rescue Committee (IRC), reiterated the indispensable role of climate journalism. He asserted that it serves as the forefront for opinion-making, guiding society towards informed decisions and collective efforts to combat the existential threat of climate change.

Uzma Osho, Director Program AHO, emphasized the pivotal role of media in addressing the humanitarian aspects of the climate crisis. She also urged media organizations to join hands with humanitarian initiatives, recognizing the shared goal of addressing the human toll of climate change.

Imran Siddiqui, General Manager of PTV Academy and Sports, highlighted the significance of joint efforts by humanitarian partners to raise awareness among the masses and sensitize journalists to mitigate the challenges of climate change. The session was moderated by