Climate journalism is the obligation we owe the earth and posterity – Senanu Damilola Wemakor at TN Africa Digital Journalism Summit 2025 – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

At the TN Africa Digital Journalism Summit 2025, held on October 22, 2025, at the British Council in Accra, Ghana, climate journalist Senanu Damilola Wemakor delivered an urgent call to action for African media professionals. Wemakor, Lead Convener of the summit and Ghana Representative for TN Africa, framed climate journalism not merely as a professional pursuit but as an ethical obligation. His speech, titled *”Shaping Africa’s Future Through Climate Journalism,”* emphasized the critical role of evidence-based, action-oriented reporting in combating environmental degradation. This article explores Wemakor’s arguments, examines the stakes of climate literacy in Africa, and outlines strategies for journalists to bridge the gap between awareness and impactful climate advocacy.

Analysis: The Climate Crisis in Africa and the Role of Media

The Escalating Climate Crisis in Africa

Wemakor placed Ghana and Africa’s recent climate extremes at the heart of the discussion. He cited 2024 data showing Africa’s second-warmest year on record, marked by floods in West and East Africa, heatwaves in the north, and droughts in the south. These events, intensified by human activities, have triggered displacement, food insecurity, and biodiversity loss. Notably, he highlighted October 2025 as a personal and metaphorical wake-up call: unusually warm temperatures mirrored broader global trends shaped by emissions from fossil fuels, deforestation, and improper waste management.

Media Responsibility vs. Political Influence

Wemakor stressed that African journalists must resist political pressures and prioritize factual reporting. “We are the watchdogs of accountability,” he declared, urging journalists to expose systemic failures like untreated industrial pollution and unsustainable agricultural practices. He criticized the underreporting of grassroots environmental movements, such as groups protesting illegal *galamsey* (artisanal gold mining), which exacerbates deforestation and water contamination. The journalist encouraged collaboration with scientists and environmentalists to demystify climate science for the public.

Summary: Key Themes from the Summit

Wemakor’s discourse centered on three pillars: urgency, collaboration, and African agency.

• Urgency: Climate change is no longer a distant threat; its impacts are measurable in Ghana’s rising temperatures and disrupted monsoon patterns.
• Collaboration: Media must work with scientists, policymakers, and youth activists to amplify solutions.
• Local Solutions: Storytelling should highlight African innovations, such as renewable energy startups and community-led reforestation projects.

Key Points

Practical Advice for Climate Journalists

Leverage Technology for Clarity

Wemakor recommended using interactive maps to visualize methane hotspots in West Africa or timelines showing Ghana’s temperature rise since the 2000s. Tools like CARTO or Mapbox allow journalists to create engaging, scientific visualizations that resonate with digital-native audiences.

Prioritize Investigative Depth

He urged reporters to investigate corporate greenwashing, such as oil companies funding solar projects while expanding fossil fuel extraction. Examples include analyzing contracts between Ghana’s National Petroleum Authority and private firms accused of underreporting emissions.

Amplify Youth Voices

Social media campaigns like #ClimateLoners—inspired by Wemakor’s own social experiments—use TikTok and Instagram to simplify climate solutions. For instance, a recent TN Africa viral post demonstrated how composting can reduce methane emissions while improving household gardens.

Points of Caution

• Avoid Misleading Visuals: Graphic designers should discard weather-related stock photos of melting glaciers if reporting on Ghana; opt for local landmarks like the Atiwa Range facing deforestation.
• Domain Knowledge Gaps: Journalists must partner with climatologists to avoid oversimplifications, such as conflating weather events with
  

  Websites with high-quality resources

  • Multimedia Group Limited: The parent organization of Life Pulse Daily, www.multimedia.com.gh offers a vast archive of Ghanaian news coverage, including climate-related issues.
  • Ghana Meteorological Agency: https://www.ghana metportal.com/ provides detailed historical weather data, forecasts, and climate reports relevant to Ghana’s environmental challenges.
  • Energy Diversity Foundation: www.energymultimedia.org is a Ghanaian civil society organization focused on monitoring the energy sector and advocating for sustainable energy practices in the context of climate change.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  What are the primary goals of the TN Africa Digital Journalism Summit?

  The summit aims to empower African journalists with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively report on climate change and environmental issues. It focuses on enhancing media capacity, promoting accurate and science-based reporting, and fostering collaboration between journalists, scientists, and policymakers.

  Why does Senanu Damilola Wemakor emphasize the importance of climate journalism in Africa? How can journalists effectively communicate complex climate science to the public?

  Wemakor believes climate journalism is crucial for raising awareness about the detrimental effects of climate change and advocating for sustainable environmental policies. By explaining complex scientific concepts in relatable terms and using storytelling techniques, journalists can engage audiences and inspire them to take action.

  What specific resources does TN Africa offer to support climate journalism?

  TN Africa provides various resources, including training programs, workshops, and a platform for journalists to share best practices and collaborate on environmental reporting projects. The organization also promotes the use

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