The issue of climate change has received varying levels of attention from the media over the
years. Still, the impact on Indigenous communities and their role in mitigation has been under-
represented. Local communities and marginalized groups are often the first to experience the
effects of environmental changes and are crucial stakeholders in climate adaptation and
mitigation efforts.
Celebrated on May 3, World Press Freedom Day urgently calls for governments to respect
their commitments to press freedom and the safety of journalists. This year’s theme, “A press for
the planet: journalism in the face of the environmental crisis,” reminds us that journalists are
increasingly targeted, harassed, and killed.

A Press For the Planet

UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message, delivered at the sixth United Nations
Environment Assembly in Nairobi, noted that Your efforts are urgent. Our planet is on the brink.
Ecosystems are collapsing. Our climate is imploding. And humanity is to blame. The fallout
from poisoned rivers to rising seas harms us all. Yet those least responsible suffer most a burning
injustice. We must work together to combat these crises, recognizing their links to put the world
on a sustainable path and turbocharge sustainable development.
I believe in the power of a free press and the safety of journalists. This World Press Freedom
Day is the link between press freedom and climate change and the role we can play together to
combat these crises.
Journalists have always been an exceptional light, particularly in the past four years. In seeking
and sharing the truth from boardrooms to war zones, journalists give us the stories we need to
move forward and create change, often doing so at severe personal risk. I deeply respect
photojournalists who run toward danger, not away from it, to capture the images that tell a
thousand stories.

Journalism of the Environment

As climate change has become the most urgent issue facing our world, so has blowback against
journalists covering environmental issues.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) estimates that 30 environmental journalists have
been killed since 2009 and stated covering the environment in developing countries is the
“second most dangerous beat” a journalist can work after covering armed conflicts. It’s
devastating to read stories of journalists being killed for reporting essential stories on everything
from illegal sand mining to pollution caused by oil companies. These are vital issues that touch
all of us.
The grave danger to journalists also creates a chilling effect. Journalism about our planet is one
of the most essential tools to help educate the public on climate change and what we can do
about it. But the more journalists are targeted, the more we lose their essential stories and voices.

Like Journalists, We need to Walk the Talk

So, what should we do to answer the call of World Press Freedom Day and support a more
sustainable future? We may not be able to fight every threat to journalists firsthand. We can
channel journalists’ courage and walk the talk, backed by meaningful action rooted in purpose.
Mis- and disinformation about climate change is rampant, which aligns with our research on the
challenges businesses face in advancing sustainability programs. Journalists play a crucial role in
helping combat it, and businesses should play a part, too. They can devote resources to tackling
misinformation with their employees, convening conversations, and educating broad sets of
stakeholders on the costs and benefits of accelerating sustainability programs. It’s encouraging to
see more organizations investing in climate change education for their people, and I believe
those efforts can and should engage the journalists telling environmental impact stories.
We also must take action in our own lives as humans first. With our voices, we can stand for
truth by supporting the people and organizations protecting journalists around the globe. When I
think about the future of our planet, I think about my children’s children (who aren’t born yet)
going to all my favorite places of beauty, serenity, and adventure. It reminds me that even though
advancing our commitment to truth may not seem like enough at the moment, it is essential.
We must also ensure that the production and trade of minerals critical to the renewables
revolution are sustainable and provide maximum benefit to developing countries. The United
Nations Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals will support these efforts.

In summary, when it comes to climate change, we, the media, the public, and the world need
radical transformation, and we need it now. Just as the brightest minds in earth science have
issued their warning, the best minds in the media should be giving sustained attention to how to
tell this most important story in a way that will create change. We may be doomed even if that
happens, but we’re doomed if it doesn’t.

UNESCO BMW’s Involvement

UNESCO BMW is committed to preserving and highlighting organizations that invest in climate
change education for their people. Those efforts can and should engage journalists who are
telling environmental impact stories. The UNESCO Body Mind and Wellness Club (BMW) has
actively promoted physical and mental well-being through its holistic approach to wellness
practices. With diverse activities and initiatives, the club has played a pivotal role in fostering a
culture of health and harmony within the UNESCO community and beyond. Through
workshops, classes, cultural exchanges, and sustainability initiatives, BMW has consistently
contributed to its members’ personal growth and overall wellness. This involvement extends to
community outreach programs that reach underserved populations, emphasizing inclusivity and
the global mission of UNESCO. As a vital component of UNESCO’s commitment to peace,
education, and cultural exchange, the BMW Club’s active participation aligns with the
organization’s objectives, creating a more balanced and harmonious world.

UNESCO BMW’s Vision

The UN’s mission regarding vulnerable and marginalized peoples encompasses promoting equity
and inclusion, preserving their environment, and achieving peace of mind through mind, body,
and soul wellness. A nonprofit plays a crucial role in this effort, fostering diversity, inclusion,
and equity. By encouraging eco-friendly practices, ecosystem protection, and sustainable
business approaches, they contribute to a greener future for the planet and future generations.
Programs like the UNESCO Body & Mind Wellness Club inspire individuals to express
themselves through arts and culture, music performances, art workshops, and engaging in nature
activities. Women’s empowerment and human rights are at the forefront, offering support for
women and addressing issues like ADHD treatment.

Additionally, the UN seeks to raise environmental awareness through programs like adopting a road and volunteering in ecology. The UN and UNESCO strive to enhance inner peace, well-being, and a healthy body-mind connection by offering inspiring books about life, Sahaja meditation practices, and wellness
activities.

Our vision is to share and preserve the cultural and artistic heritage from around the world and
facilitate respect for Mother Earth, all of which is supported by inner peace through meditation
and free mentoring. UNESCO BMW is entirely nonprofit and promotes inner peace practices,
encourages arts and crafts, and protects the ecosystem.

By: Kiwalabye Gerald

Sources:

  • SG/SM/22143
  • ‘Planet on the Brink,’ Secretary-General Warns Environment Assembly, Calling for Multilateral Solutions, 29th February 2024.
  • UNESCO World Press Freedom Day “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the face of the Environmental Crisis”; Milica Pesic.
  • The International Union of Geological Science (IUGS), the International Year of Planet Earth, runs from January 2007 to December.
  • Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), Uganda National Commission for UNESCO, https://unesco-uganda.ug › esd
  • Environmental journalism in an increasingly hostile climate, Reporters sans frontières, https://rsf.org › environmental-journalism-increasingly. 26th Nov 2015.