Media Workshop empowers and equips journalists to tackle Air Pollution and Climate Change From Awareness to Action

Bhubaneswar, 13th July : To address sustainable issues and environmental challenges, SwitchON Foundation organized a media Workshop on Air Pollution and Climate Change Reporting in collaboration with Socratus and The Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC India) as knowledge partners.Around 50 journalists from Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Puri joined the workshop to gain valuable insights, facilitate meaningful discussions, and learn innovative approaches to climate change reporting. The workshop aimed at simplifying the issue of air pollution and Climate Change. It focussed on breaking down the fundamentals of air quality- reading and interpreting air quality data, reporting on health vis-à-vis air pollution. The overall objective of the workshop was how to effectively report on the issue of air pollution and Climate Change.The managing director of SwitchON Foundation, Shri Vinay Jaju said, “Odisha is amongst the most vulnerable states facing the Climate Crisis. There is a need to highlight the urgency and need for action against air pollution and climate change among masses. Media has a central role in adding impetus to this. Change is only possible through collaboration, engagement and communication.”The Government of India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) is a step towards resolving the problem of deteriorating ambient air quality. The NCAP has set a time-bound goal to improve air quality across the country, focusing on 132 “non-attainment” cities where air pollution standards are not being met. This includes 7 cities of Odisha -Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Balasore, Rourkela, Angul, Talcher and Kalinga Nagar. With the base year as 2017, the programme is set to achieve a reduction of 20% – 30% of particulate matter by 2024. As per the CPCB data, air pollution in 7 non-attainment cities & towns of Odisha, is in an alarming state, due to an increase in vehicular movement. There has been a whopping 67% increase in the average levels of air pollution in Odisha since 2017, and the air is classified as ‘unhealthy’ for the citizens.According to the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority, the impact of climate change in the form of weather extremities profoundly affected the livelihoods of small farmers in crop production both in terms of quantity and quality. Primarily, crop loss happened due to flower drop and higher mortality in new plantations. Kharif crops are more impacted than Rabi crops owing to variability in rainfall associated with the erratic weather conditions. Rice production is significantly affected by decreased grain yield which is a matter of concern as rice is a staple diet of Odisha.Media is one of the major key stakeholders who have a crucial role to play. Well-informed and regular reporting on the environmental issues by the media would not only build the awareness of the citizens but also ensure that policymakers take the issue seriously. This could result in some accountability on everyone’s part.Sr. Journalist, BBC World, Shri Sandeep Sahu commented, “I compliment Switch On Foundation for organizing this workshop for media persons on this very important issue. Air pollution and climate change pose a serious threat to the ecosystem. I believe there is a lot the media can do to raise awareness about the threat and ways to fight it by presenting facts, figures and insights around the issue.”Ashirbad Raha, Regional Director of Communications at EPIC India said, “Improving air quality needs robust policy action. Media has to be an enabler by constantly ensuring that research and evidence-driven discussions around air pollution continue to grab headlines. For this change to happen, media, citizen groups, and policymakers – all have to take equal onus and action.”Dr. Mamata Panda, Sr. Consultant and HOD Pediatrics and Neonatology CARE Super Speciality Hospital, Bhubaneswar said, “Air pollution is associated with a broad spectrum of acute and chronic illnesses, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The ever increasing trend of AQI levels poses a major threat to the vulnerable communities like the children and old aged people.”Mr. Debendra Suar, Chief of Bureau, Prameya stated, “We applaud SwitchON’s aim to sensitize the media on Climate change issues. There is nobody better than the media who can spread awareness about the issue to the layman who is actually getting affected out there. Media can play a crucial role in reporting Climate change.”