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Climate Conversations Series: Climate Communication Masterclass

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Introduction

Approximately 90% of the disasters occurring in East Africa can be attributed to weather and climate hazards, making the region highly vulnerable to extreme events. This vulnerability is exacerbated by the region’s heavy reliance on natural resources, leading to significant socioeconomic consequences resulting from weather and climate extremes. In order to safeguard the population and enhance the resilience of local communities, there is an urgent need for effective early warning systems and actionable information to inform decision-making. In Eastern Africa, there is a notable lack of awareness and information among different communities, journalists, and audiences regarding the availability, usability and benefits regional early warning systems for example; Hazards Watch for East Africa and other early warning products.

The Climate Conversations Series aims to address this gap by increasing awareness, improving usability, and enhancing access to the East Africa Hazards Watch among the public. By fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration, the masterclass seeks to empower journalists, communities, and audiences and other climate services end-users to utilize this valuable resource effectively in order to enhance preparedness and resilience in the face of climate-related hazards.

The Climate Conversations Series: Climate Communication Masterclass are  virtual meetings focused on strengthening climate communication for journalists and communicators in the Eastern and Greater Horn of Africa region. The objective is to enhance their understanding and utilization of ICPAC’s early warning products, such as the East Africa Hazards Watch (EAHW). This initiative aims to address the current lack of awareness among journalists about these valuable resources, enabling them to play a pivotal role in informing communities and facilitating informed decision-making.

Objective

The primary objective of this masterclass is to enhance the understanding and capacity of climate journalists in effectively communicating climate change risks and preparedness measures to the public. The masterclass will focus on the following key areas:

key areas:

  1. Introduction to the East Africa Hazards Watch (EAHW):
  2. ICPAC will provide an overview of the EAHW, a comprehensive platform that monitors and forecasts climate-related hazards in the region.
  3. The session will emphasize the significance of the EAHW as a valuable tool for journalists to access up-to-date information on climate hazards, including droughts, floods, heatwaves, and other extreme events.
  4. Practical demonstrations will be conducted to showcase the functionalities and features of the EAHW.
  5. NECJOGHA will guide journalists on how to access and effectively utilize the EAHW in their reporting.
  6. Participants will receive hands-on training on navigating the platform, interpreting hazard information, and using interactive maps and data visualization tools.
  7. The session will highlight the importance of incorporating accurate and timely climate information from the EAHW into journalistic content.
  8.  
  1. Communicating Risk and Preparedness:
    • NECJOGHA will lead a discussion on effective communication strategies for conveying climate change risks and promoting preparedness.
    • Participants will learn techniques for translating complex scientific information into clear, accessible language that resonates with diverse audiences.

  1. Expected Outcomes:

    1. Enhanced capacity of climate journalists to access, analyze, and utilize climate-related data and information from the EAHW.
    2. Improved skills in communicating climate change risks and preparedness measures to diverse audiences.
    3. Strengthened collaboration between ICPAC and NECJOGHA in advancing climate communication efforts.
    4. Increased public awareness and understanding of climate change impacts, leading to informed decision-making and actions.
    5. Journalists to start to source and use the East Africa Hazard Watch

  1. Target Audience

    The Climate Conversations Series: Climate Communication Masterclass is designed for journalists, reporters, climate Activists, researchers, Youth, Journalism students   and communicators specializing in climate change and environmental issues within the Greater Horn of Africa region.

  1. Duration and Format

    The masterclass will be conducted Virtual on Zoom and will be co- chaired by ICPAC and NECJOGHA

    Time and Date: 2:00 – 4:00 PM- July 19th Wednesday 2023

  1. Conclusion

    The Climate Conversations Series aims to empower climate journalists in effectively communicating climate change risks and preparedness to the public. The first masterclass on climate communication, focusing on the East Africa Hazards Watch, will foster collaboration and knowledge exchange between ICPAC and NECJOGHA. By strengthening climate journalism and public engagement, we can collectively address the challenges posed by climate change in the Greater Horn of Africa region.

    The “Climate Conversations Series” are organized by Intergovernmental Authority on Development Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) and the Network of Climate Journalists of the Greater Horn of Africa (NECJOGHA)