REGIONAL SCIENCE journalists have resolved to help disseminate information on climate change and best practices to adapt to it.The resolve was reached at the weekend, as the journalists from 21 countries in the eastern and southern African region, met in Kampala, Uganda, to discuss and exchange on climate change as an issue that threatens the socio-economic lives of global communities, and particularly the African continent.The 3-day exchange meeting was organised by the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa), in conjunction with the Network of Climate Journalists of the Greater Horn of Africa.The meeting, which ended last week, saw the establishment of the first ever Eastern and Southern Africa Climate Change Media Network, which will act as a forum for the reporters to exchange views on the implications of climate change on people’s lives and a channel to convey climate information to the public.A five-member committee to coordinate the network was also set up and is headed by Patrick Luganda, a regional climate journalist and advocate.“Just talking [about climate change] as an individual has never been helpful,” observed Judith Akolo, a climate journalist with the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation and a member of the elected committee.“Coming together is going to help us have experience from others, put together information [about climate change] and jointly work to disseminate it within our communities,” she added.“Climate change effects know no boundaries. What happens here is also what happens elsewhere; thus, the need to put together our efforts.”Patrick Luganda, the head of the committee, observed the need for ‘continuity and sustainability’ of efforts to adapt to the recurrent changing climate trends and noted that the journalists’ network will work towards strengthening the efforts.Dr Mclay Kanyangarara, a Comesa senior climate change advisor, said: “Let us promote discussions on this issue in all possible forums: in classrooms, bedrooms, saloons and so on.”
