Female journalists unite to expose climate crises in the Middle East

A panel discussion on climate change journalism in the Middle East and North Africa will take place soon. The event brings together female journalists from across the Arabic-speaking world to share their experiences and insights. Twenty-five women journalists from 16 countries have joined the Green Panther project, an initiative by the Panter Foundation. Together, they are examining how climate change will shape life in their homelands. Their work highlights the rapid warming in the region, which is occurring at twice the global rate.

The discussion will feature Wafa Arouri, Rouba Abo Ammo, Reham Abbas, and Kenda Hmeidan. They will explore the challenges of reporting on climate issues amid war, pressure from the oil industry, and limited access to reliable data. The session will be moderated by Petra Bornhöft and Sven Recker, project leads at the Panter Foundation.

The journalists have uncovered both dire predictions and hopeful solutions. Some findings suggest a grim future, such as Syria potentially becoming unworkable during the day. Yet, innovative farming techniques offer a glimmer of hope for the region’s resilience. The event will be conducted in German and Arabic, with simultaneous interpretation provided. The panel aims to shed light on the unique struggles faced by journalists in the region. Their work underlines the urgent need for accurate climate reporting despite overlapping crises. The discussion will also showcase the leading role of women in covering these critical issues.