The Climate Change Commission, Deutsche Welle Akademie, and the German embassy conduct a five-day learning workshop on climate journalism held at B Hotel, Quezon City.

MANILA, Philippines – The Climate Change Commission (CCC), Deutsche Welle Akademie (DW Akademie), and the German Embassy collaborated to equip Filipino journalists with tools for responsible climate journalism through a five-day training workshop. 

Recognizing the technical complexities of climate change, the CCC aims to mainstream the issue to raise public awareness and drive climate action. The recently concluded media training workshop addressed the need to provide journalists with the knowledge and skills to effectively communicate the intricacies of climate change to the public.

Mr. Mathias Kruse, Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy, underscored the importance of media in addressing climate challenges. “In the Philippines, being one of the countries most affected by disasters, journalists play a crucial role in informing the public about the causes of these events and the measures that can be taken to adapt and respond effectively," Kruse said.

The training covered key topics, including Climate Change 101, climate reporting techniques, storytelling strategies, and an in-depth discussion on the National Adaptation Plan (NAP). The CCC emphasized the importance of integrating the NAP into climate journalism, as it provides a strategic framework to enhance the country's resilience to climate change impacts.

The NAP has identified eight key sectors as focal points for adaptation: Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Security; Water Resources; Health; Ecosystems and Biodiversity; Cultural Heritage, Population Displacement and Migration; Land Use and Human Settlements; Livelihoods and Industries; and Energy, Transport and Communication. 

“These sectors address vulnerable areas, strengthen adaptive capacity, and promote strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change. This collaborative approach will help the public better understand the risks and adopt appropriate and proactive measures to handle disasters,”  CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera said.

Herrera further emphasized the NAP as one of the vital tools to effectively communicate with the masses to address challenges brought by climate-induced disasters.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Executive Director of CCC,  Atty. Romell Antonio Cuenca, stressed the media's critical role during the final day of training.

“Your stories can help communities grasp the complexities of climate science, the urgency of action, and the importance of resilience. This training program is a significant step that equips you to cover these complex issues with clarity and depth,” Cuenca stated. 

DW Akademie, based in Bonn, Germany, is an international media development organization that provides journalism training and knowledge transfer. The workshop, held at B Hotel in Quezon City, was attended by media representatives from various outlets across the Philippines.

The CCC remains committed to empower all sectors of society to take meaningful climate action. Through collaborative efforts such as this training, the CCC aims to strengthen the media’s role in mainstreaming climate change information.

For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.