Environment, Forest, andClimate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan emphasised the urgent need to tackle environmental issues linked to climate change. “The primary driver of climate change is the use of fossil fuels, which we must reduce,” she stated in a video message.
She called for a transformation in developmental models and urged collective efforts to combat pollution, highlighting the importance of participating in international climate conferences. “Gathering news with competence is crucial, as the knowledge gained can lead to effective actions for vulnerable populations,” she added.
Her address was part of a mentoring programme organised by the Climate Action and Policy Study (CAPS), in collaboration with 24 environmental organisations, titled “Journalism in the Age of Energy Transition: COP29 Coverage Strategies and Mentoring.” The event, held at the PIB seminar hall, aimed to enhance the skills of print, electronic, and online journalists in preparation for COP29.
Presided over by Faruk Wasif, Director General of PIB, and moderated by Professor Dr. Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, Chairman of CAPS, the programme featured notable guests, including Dr. Ainun Nishat, Emeritus Professor at BRAC University, Nayoka Martinez Backström, First Secretary at the Swedish Embassy in Bangladesh, and Abdul Haque, Managing Director of the Journalist Welfare Trust.
Experts shared insights on understanding various conference sessions and the importance of effective information gathering and reporting strategies. Dr. Nishat explained that COP events usually consist of five simultaneous sessions, each essential for informed reporting.
Participants were encouraged to analyse previous coverage to identify key achievements from COP29, highlighting the need for thorough preparation. Discussions also centred on renewable energy and the necessity of transitioning from fossil fuels. Speakers pointed to Bangladesh’s potential in bioenergy production and the urgent need for financial support from developed nations to aid climate adaptation efforts.
As the day concluded, attendees received certificates recognising their participation in the mentoring programme. This collaborative effort underscored the vital role of journalists in raising awareness and advocating for sustainable solutions to combat climate change.
