What does our world wake up to??
To the news of children being killed in Iraq, of the homeless in Sudan, rising inflation, new consumer products, cinema, scientific discoveries and what not.
But of late, we are waking up to another unfortunate reality. That of climate change.
Climate change is a global problem that is going to affect us all negatively. And I realise that government leadership might seem as the most important factor. But given the fact that governmental goals are short term, only a proactive civil society can help spread awareness and mobilize people for public opinion, political participation and exerting pressure on representatives.
We need to realise that a civil society includes not just non-governmental organisations and groups, but individuals as well, you and me, people from various sectors-business, media, finance, academics, the young and the old. Any one who believes in creating a society that can sustain itself and move towards a better future. Climate change is predominantly an urban phenomenon and challenge. Though people living in rural areas bear the brunt of it, the challenge against it has to emanate from us. In response to this, cities are also making strides in mitigating GHG emissions from sectors they have direct control or influence over and that is why, some of the most influential sections amidst us can help build this proactive civil society, namely: the media, the business sector, NGOs and the youth.
The media is undoubtedly an element that can single-handedly create a global platform to tackle climate change and related issues. Both the print media and electronic media and the internet have had a significant impact on the way we think and act.
So imagine what change can be brought about if the media was to provide information to the people. If TV channels and newspapers were going to tell us of the ups and downs of the products we consume. We all know that global mass media lives off certain buzz words and they will be only glad to create an atmosphere of fear, with an issue as dangerous such as this. But let us not deny the power possessed by the media. What we need is a responsible mass media that will handle the truth in an efficient manner.
The media can help in educating people across regions. as media consumers can demand the truth only a pro active civil society
What's with the Climate? 