“The climate crisis threatens the livelihoods of all people – ecosystems, food and water supplies and the climate. As journalists, we have to do justice to this through appropriate climate reporting,” explains Verena Mischitz, spokeswoman for the Austrian climate journalism network, told OÖN.
“Dimension of Each Subject”
The charter states what climate journalism according to the cross-media initiative. “The climate crisis as a cross-cutting issue affects all areas of society,” said Mischitz. Climate journalism should therefore do not take place within the narrow boundaries of departments and areas of responsibility, since it is “a dimension of every topic”. He also needs supporting structures.
Publishers and broadcasters “should enable their editors to receive training and further education and part with fossil fuels and the corresponding advertisements,” says the charter.
Constructive and informative
climate journalism orient yourself on the state of research, avoid “false balancing” and reveal evasive and cover-up tactics by people or companies. In view of the urgency of the crisis, he should show constructive solutions and ensure an informed democratic discourse.
Importance of regional journalism
Mischitz also sees the importance of the climate charter for journalism in Upper Austria. “Regional journalism is particularly important in relation to the climate crisis in order to give those affected a voice and to make the fatal effects on the environment and society visible.”
That network invites all journalists to sign the charter and become part of the initiative. It goes to the climate charter here.
Source: Nachrichten
