Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka
Zimpapers Politics Hub
INFORMATION, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Mr Nick Mangwana has commended the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) for spearheading the development of a Climate Change Reporting Manual, saying the initiative will strengthen environmental journalism and improve public understanding of climate issues.
Mr Mangwana, whose speech was read on his behalf by Director of Media Services Mr George Chisoko during the validation workshop of the draft Climate Change Reporting Manual today, said the manual comes at a time when climate change has become one of the country’s biggest development challenges.
“I wish to commend the Zimbabwe Media Commission for its foresight and leadership in spearheading the development of this important national resource,” said Mr Mangwana.
“I also extend my sincere appreciation to the technical experts, climate scientists, media professionals, development partners and all stakeholders whose dedication and expertise have contributed to the preparation of this draft manual.”
He said the collective efforts demonstrated a shared commitment to ensuring that climate change reporting in Zimbabwe is guided by scientific evidence, professional ethics and national development priorities.
Mr Mangwana said climate change was no longer a distant environmental issue but a pressing development challenge affecting key sectors of the economy.
“Climate change is no longer a distant environmental concern.
“It is one of the defining development challenges of our time, with far-reaching implications for agriculture, food security, water resources, public health, infrastructure, biodiversity and the livelihoods of our people,” he said.
“Zimbabwe continues to experience current droughts, destructive floods, cyclones, prolonged heatwaves and changing rainfall patterns. These realities threaten socio-economic development and reinforce the need to strengthen national resilience and adaptive capacity.”
Mr Mangwana said journalists had a critical role in shaping public understanding of climate issues and should move beyond merely reporting disasters.
“The media occupies a strategic position in this national endeavour.
“Journalists are not mere reporters of events. They are educators, agenda-setters and trusted sources of public information,” he said.
“Climate reporting must therefore move beyond simply documenting disasters.
It should explain the science behind climate change, provide context, promote evidence-based public debate and highlight practical solutions that strengthen resilience.”
Mr Mangwana said the draft manual was designed to equip journalists with practical knowledge on climate science, Zimbabwe’s climate realities, policy frameworks and adaptation and mitigation strategies.
“Most importantly, the manual seeks to bridge the gap between science and journalism by equipping media practitioners with the knowledge and skills required to communicate complex climate issues in a manner that is accurate, balanced, accessible and relevant to the public,” he said.
Mr Mangwana said the resource was particularly important at a time when misinformation and disinformation on environmental issues were on the rise.
