Climate Change in News Media, Pacific region

The Pacific region, with its low-lying islands and diverse ecosystems, is severely affected by climate change and natural hazards. Rising sea levels, increased flooding, coastal erosion, and storm surges pose significant risks. Media have a key function in increasing people's preparedness for climate-related emergencies and reducing disaster risks.

UNESCO is enhancing the capabilities of media organisations in Fiji, Marshall Islands, and Tuvalu to report on  climate change and disaster risks. In all countries, national broadcasters were provided with portable emergency radio broadcasting equipment, which replicates the quality and robustness of studio equipment while being lightweight and deployable in non-damaged areas. This enables media to continue to broadcast news for the populations in emergency situations. 

The support also includes hands-on workshops for media organisations on reporting during emergencies, collaborating with key stakeholders in climate reporting and DRR in the Pacific region, and using digital methodologies to gather and analyse data, such as geospatial data and hazard monitoring systems.