DUBAI (United Arab Emirates): The media should place a greater emphasis on climate action, especially by utilising the art of storytelling, to inspire positive change and shape a sustainable future, said President and CEO of the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA), Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan.
Sheikha Shamma when addressing delegates on the second day of the Arab Media Forum here, underscored the imperative for media professionals to prioritise climate activism and environmental reporting, stressing that the media serves as a pivotal bridge connecting communities.
“The media serves as the bridge that connects us all, and my message to media professionals today is to prioritise climate activism and environmental reporting for a better future,” she was reported as saying by Emirates News Agency (WAM).
During the session titled ‘Media and Sustainability’, she highlighted research conducted by UICCA that identified a significant gap in climate change coverage within Arab media.
“It was found that Arab media should play a more active role in addressing climate change, with a particular emphasis on storytelling,” she noted.
Sheikha Shamma introduced the ‘Climate Tribe’ platform as a response to this identified gap.
The platform is dedicated to showcasing narratives of exceptional individuals making noteworthy contributions to the field of climate action. Featuring videos and stories about climate heroes effecting positive change, the platform is set to be launched in Arabic, with an invitation extended to submit climate action-related stories for feature.
In her presentation, Sheikha Shamma pointed out that studies indicate a preference among young people for narratives that focus on climate action and solutions, rather than those with a gloomy and bleak tone.
She emphasised the collective responsibility of individuals towards the environment, stressing that every effort counts.
Reflecting on her passion for the environment, Sheikha Shamma attributed it to her childhood, stating that her love for nature was instilled from an early age.
She recounted how her great-grandfather, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, defied skepticism and planted trees in the region.
“We are now reaping the rewards of his vision, living in the paradise we see today,” she remarked.
She expressed a sense of duty in carrying forward his legacy and advocated for collective effort towards the seemingly improbable task of transitioning to a green economy. – BERNAMA-WAM
