FG calls for media support to tackle climate crisis

The Minister of State for Environment, Iziaq Salako, on Friday voiced concern about the widespread lack of awareness regarding the climate crisis in the country.

Salako expressed concern during a joint press conference held in Abuja to mark the 2024 World Press Freedom Day with the theme ‘A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of Environmental Crisis.’

The minister noted that the theme was apt as the world grapples with the triple environmental threats of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

He emphasized that the environmental crisis remains a primary cause of loss of lives and property, exacerbating poverty, food insecurity, armed conflicts, loss of livelihoods, public health challenges, displacement, and more, not only in Nigeria but globally.

“In our country as in other parts of the world, the environmental crisis is a central culprit in the loss of lives and property through disasters, accentuation of poverty, food insecurity, armed conflicts, loss of livelihoods, public health challenges, displacement, and so on.

“This year’s theme cannot be coming at a better time as the world grapples with the greatest threat to our existence; the triple environmental crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

“The theme resonates loudly with the challenges we face and the responsibilities we all hold as stewards of planet Earth,” he said.

Stressing the urgency of the situation, he emphasized the importance of ongoing advocacy, awareness-raising, and public education to address environmental challenges and safeguard the planet for future generations.

Salako highlighted the prevalence of ignorance and inadequate knowledge about the climate crisis in society, urging media support for environmental advocacy and citizenship to foster harmony between all beings on earth.

Recognising the difficulty in changing behaviours and lifestyles driving the environmental crisis, he called for persistent efforts in advocacy, awareness campaigns, sensitization, and public education.

He said, “Ignorance, lack of awareness, and appropriate knowledge about the climate crisis are still rampant in our society.

“Let me, therefore, call upon you, our dear friends in the media, for more support in our drive for environmental advocacy and citizenship so that all creatures on earth thrive in harmony with the planet.

“We know that our behaviour and lifestyles are driving environmental crises. We also know that changing behaviour and lifestyle is not easy to achieve.

“Therefore, we must remain persistent in our advocacy, our awareness creation, our sensitization, and educating the public.”

At the event, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, underscored the crucial role of journalism in tackling the environmental crisis.

Idris acknowledged the challenges journalists face, including threats, harassment, and violence, for their courageous endeavours to expose environmental crimes and defend the natural world.

He reaffirmed the commitment to safeguarding journalists’ rights and ensuring their safety and security.

Highlighting journalists as custodians of truth and advocates for accountability, the minister commended their role in shedding light on environmental injustices and holding governments and corporations accountable for their actions.

“We also acknowledge the challenges that journalists face in carrying out their vital work. As environmental defenders, journalists often confront threats, harassment, and violence for their courageous efforts to expose environmental crimes and protect our natural world.

“As we celebrate World Press Freedom Day, we must reaffirm our unwavering commitment to protecting the rights of journalists and ensuring their safety and security,” Idris stated.

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, every year, May 3rd marks a celebration of the fundamental principles of press freedom. It serves as a time to assess press freedom globally, safeguard the media from assaults on their independence, and honour journalists who have sacrificed their lives in the pursuit of their profession.