PESHAWAR: The Global Neighbourhood for Media Innovation (GNMI) in collaboration with the US Department of State organised a three-day Sabz Journalism Environmental Journalism training in Peshawar.

A statement issued here said led by senior environmental journalist Afia Salam, the training aimed to empower mid-level journalists, digital content producers and filmmakers actively engaged in climate-related reporting across various media platforms.

The comprehensive programme covered topics such as understanding the science of environment, distinguishing between climate and environment, data-driven and investigative story production, digital storytelling techniques, and strategies for content dissemination.

Hands-on learning activities were integrated to enhance participants’ production skills with a focus on incorporating environmental perspectives into their routine reporting.

During the training session, participants referenced a recent report by UNDP Pakistan, revealing alarming trends in glacier melt and glacial lake formation in the region.

The report identified a total of 3,044 glacial lakes in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with 33 of these lakes assessed as prone to hazardous glacial lake outburst flooding (Glof) due to rising temperatures and rapid glacial retreat.

Local journalists also highlighted that as temperatures rose and rainfall patterns shifted, the delicate balance of nature was thrown into disarray. They said extreme weather events, once rare, now ravaged communities in Chitral, Lower and Upper Dir and other northern parts of KP with increasing frequency, leaving devastation in their wake.

Some metropolitan journalists also highlighted the pressing issues of noise and air pollution in Peshawar city, pointing out the multifaceted environmental challenges faced by communities in the city area.

The participants also brought to the attention of the lead trainer a media report indicating that more than 210 forest fires in KP had ravaged 14,430 acres of land. Alarmingly, the report revealed that 55 of these fires were deliberately started by locals as reported by the provincial forest department.

At the end of the session, Afia Salam stressed the need to amplify environmental stories for greater public awareness and spur policy interventions.

Published in Dawn, April 21st, 2024