Abstract

This training manual is designed to equip editors and reporters with comprehensive knowledge and skills to effectively cover climate change issues. It encompasses a broad range of topics, from understanding climate change to specialized reporting techniques, providing a detailed framework to enhance journalistic quality and accuracy in climate-related reporting. Module 1: Grasping climate change: This module introduces climate change, focusing on its variability and specific impacts in Kenya. It outlines various climate change indicators, such as global warming and rising sea levels, and delves into both natural and human-induced causes of climate change in Kenya. The module concludes by analyzing historical climate trends and key observations, setting the foundation for understanding climate dynamics. Module 2: Navigating climate change - effects, mitigation, and adaptation: This module examines the diverse effects of climate change on agriculture, biodiversity, energy, water, health, the economy, transport, conflicts, and migration. It highlights the importance of mitigation and adaptation measures specific to Kenya and discusses strategies for incorporating them into reporting. The module aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted impacts of climate change and the necessary responses. Module 3: Examining legal and policy responses to climate change: This module explores international treaties and national legal frameworks addressing climate change, focusing on intergovernmental actions and specific policies in Kenya’s energy and forestry sectors. It reviews significant agreements like the Kigali Amendment and various national acts, such as the Climate Change Act 2016 and the Sustainable Waste Management Act 2022. The module also discusses the latest updates on forestry policies and initiatives aimed at combating climate change. Module 4: Enhancing climate reporting: principles, strategies, and challenges: This module provides guiding principles for solution-based and constructive journalism in climate reporting, emphasizing engagement, empowerment, and ethical responsibility. It discusses effective online storytelling strategies, evidence-based reporting, and challenges in implementation. The module also addresses the importance of gender and social inclusion in climate change reporting and offers strategies to overcome related bottlenecks. Module 5: Insights for a sustainable future under climate change: innovations in renewable energy, forestry impacts, and carbon credits market: This module presents insights into sustainable future innovations, focusing on renewable energy technologies, forestry practices, and the carbon credits market. It highlights the significance and challenges of renewable energy initiatives, media coverage’s role, and ecological impacts of forestry practices. The module also explores global and Kenyan initiatives in the carbon credits market, distinguishing genuine efforts from greenwashing. Module 6: comprehensive resources and best practices for effective environmental and climate change reporting: This module offers resources and best practices for effective climate change reporting, emphasizing accuracy, context, and local relevance. It covers investigative reporting techniques, ethical considerations, and the importance of collaboration and cross-disciplinary reporting. The module also provides a list of essential resources from organizations like IPCC, NASA, and NGOs to support comprehensive climate change reporting.