Front page > Programmes & Projects > Interdisciplinary Courses > Climate Change Journalism Beyond COP15

Climate Change Journalism Beyond COP15

Climate change journalism beyond COP15: understanding the present, imagining the future

While populations in the developing world are the most adversely affected by climate change, they and their political leaders tend to have inadequate access to information about the science and best practices for responding to the challenge. Journalists have a crucial role in filling this void, raising important issues and constructively helping chart a way forwards.

 

The success of the 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference, commonly known as the Copenhagen Summit, will be judged on how things develop in the months ahead. For all its short-comings COP15 succeeded in bringing the principle of ‘common but differentiated responsibility’ into context. The Copenhagen Accord, although not legally binding, made some progress on sharing emissions reductions, financing responses, and setting principles for measuring, reporting and verification.

 

As the world looks ahead to build on the Copenhagen Accord and agree on an ambitious, legally-binding global agreement to come into effect at the end of the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol in 2012, the role of journalists has become pivotal. The upcoming COPs in Mexico (2010) and South Africa (2011) are now the critical milestones ahead. The seriousness of the challenge requires effective, timely responses and there is a sense of urgency that we meet it responsibly.

 

An important outcome of DFC’s first climate journalism course, which allowed participants to cover the 2009 Copenhagen Summit, was to help build and strengthen networks among journalists from developing countries, identifying opportunities for actively engaging at the international level. This course aims to continue that effort, while engaging, educating and inspiring participants to take on this important challenge in the process.

 

Target Group

The course is intended for journalists from mainstream media in Danida partner countries as well as from the dominant greenhouse-gas-emitting developing countries (e.g., China, India, Brazil, and South Africa). Journalists from Small Island States are also welcomed. Influence on the local agenda will be an important criterion in the selection process. Journalists from the 2009 DFC course are not eligible. The course will be in English hence a good working knowledge of English is required.

 

Course Goals

The general objective of the training course is to increase the flow of information about climate change in developing countries, thereby increasing awareness about the challenges faced while promoting political accountability.

 

The immediate objectives are to:

-       Educate journalists about the science, technological and political developments related to climate change

-       Assist journalists in developing their individual stories on climate change

-       Introduce the journalists to Danish media coverage of climate change

-       Facilitate networking opportunities for the journalists

-       Train journalists in reporting techniques and in using web-based tools

 

Content

To the extent possible, course content will be tailored to the participants selected for the course. Each participant will develop an article or radio/TV item and if possible present topics from his or her home country. The development of individual assignments will be in parallel to the course programme, drawing on insights gained.

 

Participants will learn about:

-       Skills for producing climate related stories (print, audio-visual, internet)

-       The status and outlook of the political process leading to a post-2012 agreement

-       Up to date scientific understanding of climate change

-       Mitigation and adaptation strategies, including the development opportunities allowed by the associated financing

-       Networking among journalists from both industrialised and developing countries

 

Funding

The course is co-funded by Danida Fellowship Programme. After selection of course participants, the Danida programmes/projects are charged a non-refundable amount of DKK 2,500 per participant per week (5,000 DKK for the entire course). This includes study fees, accommodation, allowances, insurances and international transport.

For applicants from the private sector, a funding scheme is available through DFC's Private Sector Initiative. More information on the Private Sector Initiative.

 

Duration and Course Dates

2 weeks, August 2^nd to August 13^th 2010.

Place of Study
Training will be provided in Copenhagen, Denmark by NORDECO (www.nordeco.dk) and DANICOM (www.danicom.net).

 

Download the course leaflet.

The full course schedule can be seen here: 2009 and 2010

Get more information on who can apply, how to apply and find application form.