Climate change hampering progress—FCCJESA
The Forum of Climate Change Journalists in Eastern and Southern Africa (FCCJESA) says climate change has brought adverse impacts that are already hampering the progress made over the last decades.
Speaking during a two-day meeting held in Kigali over the week, chairperson of Fccjesa Patrick Luganda described climate change as a hindrance to development.
FCCJESA is a grouping of journalists from 28 countries in Comesa, East Africa Community (EAC), Sadc and Inter Governmental Authority on Development (Igad), whose objective is to realise a well-informed population about climate change issues.
“Most if not all countries in Comesa, EAC, Sadc, and Igad, are the least resilient to climate change impacts, with the poorest being at greater risk,” he said.
Representing the Sadc bloc, Emmanuel Muwamba from Malawi, said the forum, which is being supported by European Union (EU), Norway and the Department for International Development (DfID) of the United Kingdom (UK) through Comesa, will ensure that journalists in these regions are supported.
“Climate change has increased in frequency, intensity and magnitude and have adversely impacted on food, water security, water quality, energy and the sustainable livelihoods of rural communities as well as national GDPs and so for communities to understand these impacts, we are empowering journalists to unearth as many stories as they can for it is these stories which will help communities to adapt,” he said.
Muwamba said journalists will be nurtured into climate change reporting through education, award ceremonies, creation and strengthening of national associations.
