By: Sarah Baafi
The Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, has called on journalists to take a leading role in shaping public understanding and action on climate change, stressing that the fight cannot be won without a well-informed media.
Speaking at a capacity building workshop specifically for GBC media personnel on climate change communication, Prof. Brown highlighted the critical role journalists play in translating complex scientific data into stories that resonate with the public.
According to her, the media remains a powerful bridge between complex scientific data and the everyday realities of citizens, making it essential for journalists to tell climate stories in ways that are clear, accurate, and relatable.
“The science can be heavy and the data intimidating, but the role of the media is to make these issues understandable and meaningful to the public,” she said.
The workshop, organised as part of efforts to enhance climate reporting, aims to build the capacity of journalists while fostering stronger collaboration between the media, scientists, and policymakers. It also seeks to promote more effective and responsible communication on climate change issues.
Prof. Browne noted that beyond reporting events, journalists have a responsibility to hold leaders accountable for their commitments to tackling climate change, particularly under frameworks such as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
She emphasized that such commitments are not merely policy documents, but promises made to citizens, requiring transparency and sustained public engagement.
Prof. Ama Browne encouraged journalists to go beyond conventional reporting by highlighting the human impact of climate change, stressing that storytelling that connects with people’s lived experiences is what drives action.
She expressed optimism that with the right skills and partnerships, the media can significantly influence public discourse and national response to climate change.
