Eco-journalism to me

This is journalism that seeks to promote and sustain of an ecocentric view of life through highlighting the exploitation of natural resources which threatens human existence as well .as that of the environment. It is not a single beat but a way of looking at various issues in relation to their impact on the environment. It also includes the journalist’s use of the internet as a medium of broadcasting.

How useful is it now?

Environmental issues including climate change, weapons of mass destruction, conspicuous consumption, air and water pollution, erosion and others are currently being addressed by eco journalists through the spread of information via the social media, as well as traditional methods of journalism. Eco-journalism has the responsibility of creating a mind shift from current and common negative trends, promoting a return to old, tested values that can keep the environment safe. 

What's my experience?

My experience in eco-journalism cannot be described as wide. However, I have brought in experts on waste management on my breakfast programme to highlight the importance of a clean environment and proper waste disposal. I have also encouraged members of the public to avoid unnecessary purchase of physical goods that could end up becoming wasted.

Can I contribute more?

When I return to my organisation, I plan to create a thirty-minute programme that will deal with environmental issues, especially creating awareness on how individuals can help reduce environmental degradation. Local and international organisations would be sought for collaboration. My Facebook and Twitter accounts will be utilised in expanding coverage of this programme. I also plan to write more articles and publish on the ecojournalism website.

Colleagues' quotes

To all my colleagues who attended the workshop, ecojournalism is important to environmental sustenance. According to Adeyinka Amosun of Radio Nigeria ”ecojournalism is the most beautiful thing that has happened to journalism in recent times”. Tina Armstrong, a journalist with vast experience in the electronic and on-line media also believes that ”ecojournalism is not a single beat but a tentacle of issues related to ecojournalism, politics and policy, international trade, among others”.

The important thing to note is that everyone ought to play a part in getting the best out of ecojournalism.