GEAPP Launches Climate Africa Warsha to Advance Renewable Energy Reporting

The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) and its alliance partners hosted the inaugural Climate Africa Warsha on World Press Freedom Day. The “Warsha” which means ‘workshop’ in Swahili creates a platform where journalists can connect with key renewable energy stakeholders, equipping them with the insights and skills required to elevate their reporting on the climate crisis, energy access, and transition solutions.

The inaugural event aligned with the theme for this year’s World Press Freedom Day “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis,” and featured expert insights from former Vice-President of Nigeria and GEAPP Global Advisor H.E. Prof Yemi Osinbajo among others.

The event also featured practical skills sessions and engaged participants in discussions on crucial topics like Africa’s role in achieving global renewable energy and energy efficiency targets, including the COP 28 target to triple the world’s installed renewable energy generation capacity to at least 11,000 GW by 2030, given its abundant renewable energy resources, such as solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and geothermal, that can meet its current and future energy demand.

Speaking during the launch, H.E. Professor Yemi Osinbajo emphasized that GEAPP’s purpose is to address the defining twin challenges of our time by ending energy poverty and tackling the climate crisis through a just transition to renewable energy in emerging markets.

“We believe the media is crucial in shaping public discourse on climate change and informing decision-making and policy formulation in Africa’s energy transition journey. The Climate Africa Warsha is a crucial platform for exchange between the media and other industry stakeholders, empowering journalists to report on these critical issues effectively and ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future for Africa,” said H.E Prof. Yemi.

GEAPP
GEAPP’s Climate Africa Warsha empowers journalists to report on these critical issues effectively

According to the State of the Climate in Africa 2022 report, more than 110 million people on the continent were directly affected by weather, climate, and water-related hazards in 2022, causing more than US$ 8.5 billion in economic damages. There were a reported 5,000 fatalities, of which 48% were associated with drought and 43% were associated with flooding.

A September 2023 Report by Internews highlighted that the biggest obstacles to effective climate change reporting in East Africa include insufficient coverage, generic stories with a global perspective rather than a local focus, a lack of access to climate experts, and a lack of training and specialization in climate and environment reporting amongst journalists and newsrooms.

Commenting on this, Adenike Oladosu, a prominent climate justice activist, reiterated the importance of media engagement in the fight against climate change.

Pointing out that climate journalists and Civil society play complementary roles in raising awareness, driving change, and shaping public discourse on climate change and the transition to clean energy. Additionally stating that through empowering the two groups with the tools and knowledge needed to cover environmental issues effectively, there will be an inspiration to action and mobilization of communities towards sustainable solutions.

John Allan Namu, Kenyan journalist and CEO of Africa Uncensored underscored the media’s role in creating awareness on the climate financing pledges.

“Journalists need to report on why the pledges haven’t worked in the past. When nations walk out of discussions and walk away from pledges, the impact is felt. It’s not all about mentioning signatories but talking about the impact of this at a granular, community, and national level”, said Namu.

The inaugural warsha attracted nearly 100 participants from over 20 countries. The GEAPP program will be conducted at least twice annually, ensuring sustained momentum and keeping the journalist community updated with the latest developments and best practices in climate reporting.

By adopting an online format, the academy plans to transcend geographical boundaries and make it accessible to a wider array of journalists across Africa.

The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) is an alliance of philanthropy, governments in emerging and developed economies, and technology, policy, and financing partners.

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