GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC -The Association of Caribbean Media Workers (ACM) urged the regional media on Friday to highlight the environmental crisis’ impact on Caribbean countries, especially its effect on the socio-economically disadvantaged.
In a message marking World Press Freedom Day 2024 under the theme “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the face of the Environmental Crisis,” the ACM said this year’s observance comes as the region grapples with the “existential crisis climate change” affecting the Caribbean with rising sea levels, more violent storms, and more of the droughts currently being experienced.
“Therefore, the time has come for regional media to highlight the impact of the environmental crisis on our respective countries, especially its impact on the socio-economically disadvantaged. The media plays a major role in reporting environmental problems and possible solutions.”
ACM also used the occasion to note that “Freedom of Expression, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and many constitutions, “is accompanied by several limits throughout the region, which means that this right is not absolute.
“Therefore, the Association of Caribbean Media Workers urges our members and others in the information industry to act responsibly and refrain from misinformation and disinformation.
“Further, this year’s observance highlights the need for journalists to receive specialized training in science communication so that practitioners can better report on the science of climate change for our diverse audiences.
“Beyond news reporting, the ACM recommends that regional governments, NGOs, and international agencies provide much-needed resources to support sustained reporting on environmental matters through features, documentaries, and investigative reports.”
ACM urged media workers “to continue to execute their tasks bearing in mind that the planet is our home, and we need to preserve it.”
and then  urged the regional media on Friday to highlight the environmental crisis' impact){kind=link}