By George M.O. Williams
Journalists and social media influencers were equipped with skills on climate reporting during a one-day workshop organized by the C40 Cities project on Monday, December 16, 2024.
The event, held at Freetown’s City Hall, aimed to enhance the capacity of media practitioners in addressing climate-related issues.
The Mayor of Freetown and Co-Chair of C40 Cities, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, emphasized the vital role of the media in amplifying climate messages and shaping public opinion. She noted that effective media engagement is critical for driving meaningful change and fostering public understanding of the urgent need for climate action.
The C40 Cities initiative focuses on cutting emissions by half by 2030, limiting global heating to 1.5°C, and building equitable and resilient communities. To achieve this, the initiative supports mayors through various approaches, including climate action plans, advocacy, and facilitating green investments.
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr highlighted that the workshop provided an avenue for media professionals to better understand C40 Cities’ mandate and the climate actions embedded in the “Transform Freetown” agenda. “This training emphasized the importance of communicating the urgency of the climate crisis and strengthening advocacy efforts,” she added.
Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, underscored the strategic role of the media in addressing climate change. “The media has the unique power to inspire and influence public discourse. Through their work, they can raise awareness and report effectively on the efforts of the Freetown City Council towards a sustainable future,” he said.
Dr. Tonya Musa, one of the facilitators, stressed the need for media reports to focus on impacts, solutions, and inspirational narratives. “Understanding these elements will enable journalists to tell compelling stories about climate change,” he noted.
The workshop is part of ongoing efforts to build the capacity of media practitioners to simplify and communicate the technical and scientific aspects of climate reporting, ensuring the public is well-informed and engaged in the fight against climate change.