Pacific journalists should write about environmental change because they have a moral obligation to do so, says freelance writer Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson.
She made the comment while speaking at the University of the South Pacific’s Earth Journalism Network environmental journalism workshop last week.
Jackson said there was a need for environmental journalists in the Pacific and around the world to inform, educate and influence perceptions and actions with the right reporting.
“An aware society is the best weapon against harmful environmental practices and climate change,” she said.
Jackson highlighted that environmental journalism would help create global awareness on issues affecting nature.
“It will lead to environmental protection by way of providing information and exposure to world leaders and also boost one’s personal responsibility and moral towards the environment.”
She said lack of interest and resources in newsrooms and the industry was creating gaps in environmental journalism.
“Environmental journalism requires a lot of time, commitment, willing sources and accessibility and up to date data.
“And these factors divert people from choosing environmental journalism.” Jackson said it was important to stimulate interest from an early age.
“We are not experts in environment but as nonspecialists we can report on issues in a way that non-specialists or communities can understand it.
“It all starts from you, your home, school, church and community.
“Be on the lookout at all times for issues that have an underlying environmental impact such as budgetary decisions, human behaviour, et cetera.”
