To protect the planet, we need to protect journalism: UNESCO World Trends Report

At the Festival Gabo (24-26 July, Bogota), Kunda Dixit joined Catalina Botero, author of the Chapter on "Journalism: Strengthening the Rule of Law", to discuss the global decline in freedom of expression and its implications for climate journalism.

The Report identifies worrying trends, including declining freedom of expression, increasing media self-censorship, and weakening accountability mechanisms. Together, these developments reduce the ability of journalists to investigate environmental issues and hold governments and corporations accountable.

"At a time when societies need trusted information and strong democratic institutions to respond to the climate emergency, independent journalism is increasingly under pressure. Meanwhile, populist narratives that deny or distort climate science continue to gain visibility through algorithm-driven digital platforms," said Kunda Dixit.

Yet, the report also highlights encouraging public support for climate action. Citing a survey across 77 countries, it notes that 80% of respondents support stronger government action to address climate change.