JOURNALISTS URGED TO LEAD CLIMATE CHANGE AWARENESS EFFORTS IN TANZANIA

By Rose Ngunangwa, Dar es Salaam

Journalists in Tanzania have been urged to play a central role in raising public awareness on climate change, ensuring future generations inherit a safer and healthier environment.

The call was made today in Dar es Salaam by Dr. Mona Mwakalinga, Dean of the Institute of Journalism and Mass Communication, during a hybrid session organized by the OPM and  Thomson Foundation in Tanzania to strengthen climate change reporting.

Dr. Mwakalinga noted that while communities witness devastating hurricanes and floods, many remain unaware of their causes. “Climate change is real. Journalists must ensure the public understands it, so future generations inherit a better environment,” she said, commending the High Commission for supporting the initiative. “Our duty is to tell the real story, not whitewash it. Journalism must be part of the solution.”

Representing the Thomson Foundation and OPM, Getrude John introduced the newly published Climate Crisis Toolkit for Media in Tanzania, compiled by Catherine Mackie at Thomson Foundation and led by OPM. She explained that the toolkit, developed under COP initiatives, equips reporters with practical skills to counter misinformation and raise awareness.

Catherine Mackie, Senior Trainer at Thomson Foundation, urged journalists to embrace the role of “climate crisis reporters.” She highlighted the importance of pre‑debunking—a proactive approach to clearing false information before it spreads. “When writing a story, ask yourself whose voice is missing,” she reminded participants.

Rose Ngunangwa, Executive Director of TAMCODE, shared how her organization, in collaboration with YOGE and supported by IUCN Bridge, used the Climate Crisis Toolkit for Media in Tanzania, compiled by Catherine Mackie at Thomson Foundation and led by OPM to develop a training manual. The manual has been instrumental in raising community awareness on preserving the Ruvuma Basin, a lifeline for more than four million people across Tanzania, Malawi, and Mozambique. 

“We chose Ruvuma because it is a food basket region often overlooked by NGOs. With funding, we hope to scale nationwide,” she explained, adding that trained journalists and community members will cascade knowledge to others, ensuring food security.

Martha Fatael reflected on her experience: “I wrote 30 climate stories using this toolkit. It’s simple, practical, and inspires us to take joint action. Climate is a cross‑cutting issue, and failure to understand it will only fuel misinformation.”

Loveness Nkya emphasized the importance of responsible climate reporting, paying tribute to the Thomson Foundation: “The toolkit is vital because it equips us to report responsibly on climate change.”

Halili Letea encouraged students to specialize in climate journalism, stressing that trust and credibility come with expertise.

Gloria Mramba  from the British High Commission underscored that communities are already facing the harsh realities of climate change. She called for greater awareness of successful interventions, particularly in clean energy and waste management, to inspire replication.

The Climate Crisis Toolkit for Media in Tanzania, compiled by Catherine Mackie at Thomson Foundation and led by OPM is available online under the Thomson Foundation in both English and Kiswahili.

The hybrid session brought together journalists, academics, civil society leaders, officials from the  British High Commission in Tanzania and OPM.