The first-ever Environmental Media Majlis, aimed at promoting public awareness and discussion of climate change in the Middle East, took place in Abu Dhabi on Monday. The event sought to foster conversations about the impacts of global warming and the actions needed in a significant year for climate action, with COP28 scheduled to occur in the UAE.
Hosted by the UAE-based Climate Change Accelerators, led by Sheikha Shamma bint Khalifa Al Nahyan, the Environmental Media Majlis brought together climate advocates, policymakers, journalists, and experts committed to addressing climate change. This initiative, established in 2022, serves as a non-partisan climate action organization to enhance collaboration between the public and the private sector in climate change efforts. Sheikha Shamma, who is dedicated to combating climate change and serves as the President and CEO of the Climate Change Accelerators, emphasized the importance of sharing compelling stories and generating interest in this critical topic.
Sheikha Shamma noted that a significant challenge in climate reporting is making complex concepts accessible to broader audiences, especially in the Arab world. She stressed the need to bridge existing gaps and effectively communicate climate stories.
The Environmental Media Majlis will focus on thematic discussions and aims to involve knowledgeable experts who can share their insights and demystify climate science. Sheikha Shamma encouraged participants to ask questions and share their experiences related to climate change.
The event also introduced an Arabic climate glossary to ensure consistency in climate discussions. The discussions at the event covered various topics, including the science of climate change, carbon capture potential, the role of youth and education, the impact of climate change on Middle Eastern society, government involvement, and the media’s role in reporting on challenging topics, as well as the benefits of solution-based journalism.
This initiative comes in a crucial year for climate action, with less than six months to go until the UAE hosts COP28. The climate talks will take place at Dubai’s Exhibition City from November 30 to December 12, where world leaders will seek to reach an agreement to reduce emissions and increase climate finance to help countries cope with the effects of climate change.
The Middle East is grappling with unique environmental challenges exacerbated by climate change, such as water scarcity and desertification. Organizers of the event highlighted the importance of informed discussions on climate change, which has never been more critical. It is expected that more such environmental majlises will be held throughout the year.
