Lahore: One of Pakistan’s most populous cities, Lahore faces serious environmental problems, from air and water pollution to waste management issues. Journalists in the city are increasingly voicing their concerns about these pressing environmental issues, highlighting the detrimental impact on public health and the urgent need for sustainable solutions. Through investigative reporting and advocacy journalism, media representatives in Lahore strive to educate the public, hold authorities accountable and promote positive change for a greener and healthier city.
The Global Neighborhood for Media Innovation (GNMI) in collaboration with the United States Department of State organized a three-day Sabz Journalism Environmental Journalism training in Lahore.The training covered various aspects, including insights into environmental science, distinguishing between climate and environmental issues, learning data-driven and investigative approaches to storytelling, learning digital storytelling techniques, and devising effective methods for sharing content. Practical exercises were incorporated to strengthen the participants’ storytelling skills, with a particular emphasis on incorporating environmental angles into their regular reporting practices.
The sessions featured industry experts like Talha Ahad, CEO and founder of The Centrum Media (TCM), a prominent digital news network, and Badar Khushnood, co-founder of Bramerz and Fishry, leading digital startups in Pakistan. Sabz Journalism members benefited from their wealth of experience, learning about digital news startups and marketing strategies aimed at developing or enhancing their digital news platforms for environmental reporting.
Senior broadcast journalist Ajmal Jami addressed colleagues and highlighted the importance of using digital media skills to educate the public on climate change mitigation and adaptation. “We cannot ignore the alarming decline in air quality in Lahore and it is imperative that we take urgent measures to address the environmental problems we are facing,” Jami stressed. He also clarified the significance of informed reports on the ongoing environmental degradation of Lahore city and the Ravi River basin, where pollution from urban, industrial and agricultural sources poses a significant risk to human health, food security and water security.
“Environmental degradation in Lahore is an urgent problem that requires immediate attention,” noted local journalists from the capital of Punjab. We must work together to reduce pollution and its impact on our city. Another participant added: “As journalists, it is our duty to highlight environmental issues affecting our city. Independent media platforms are essential to call for decisive action against pollution and urbanisation.”
The event was attended by members of reputed media houses in Lahore including The News, Pakistan Television (PTV), Daily Jang, Express News, Samaa TV, Public News, Hum News as well as various print and digital media.
The Sabz Journalism Fellowship Program aims to provide journalists with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively report on environmental issues, promote awareness and understanding among the public. The program also seeks to promote data-driven and investigative reporting, achieve inclusive economic growth and sustainable development through the creation and dissemination of climate-focused content on digital media platforms.
