Media urged to highlight climate crises ahead of COP-31

Journalists and experts at a Hyderabad consultation urged the media to highlight environmental crises and climate action ahead of COP-31. Speakers stressed the importance of local reporting on climate challenges, accountability and developed nations’ unmet climate finance commitments.

Hyderabad: The media industry must take a proactive role in conveying environmental crises and climate action to the general public, speakers urged at a special media consultation on COP-31 held at the Somajiguda Press Club on Monday.

Jointly organised by the Council for Green Revolution (CGR) and the Press Club Hyderabad, the event brought together editors and senior journalists from print, electronic and digital media.

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Public policy expert Donthi Narasimha Reddy, who delivered the keynote address, stressed that COP-31, scheduled to be held from November 9 to 20 in Antalya, Turkey, is a critical turning point for humanity. He criticised developed nations for failing to meet their climate finance commitments and leaving developing countries vulnerable to worsening extreme weather events.

Former RTI Commissioner M Dileep Reddy chaired the session. Key guests included Professor Purushotham Reddy and economist Mohan Guruswamy. Other prominent individuals who took part in and addressed the gathering included Mulugu Somashekar, Devulapalli Amar, CGR Chairperson Leela Lakshma Reddy and Founder K Lakshma Reddy.

Speakers emphasised that local journalism is vital for highlighting regional climate challenges, such as erratic rainfall and biodiversity loss, and holding authorities accountable. The CGR founders concluded the session by thanking the media for their participation.