World Press Freedom Day Highlights Role of Journalism in Global Environmental Crisis

The Luxembourg Commission for UNESCO has recalled that 3 May is World Press Freedom Day.

From Thursday 2 to Saturday 4 May 2024, Chile and UNESCO are hosting the 31st World Press Freedom Day Conference. This year's World Press Freedom Day is dedicated to the "importance of journalism and freedom of expression in the context of the current global environmental crisis".

As reported in a press release by Luxembourg's Ministry of Culture, in the context of the triple planetary crisis (climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution), disinformation campaigns call into question knowledge and scientific research methods. Attacks on the validity of science pose a "serious threat" to pluralistic and informed public debate.

The press release added that misinformation about environmental issues can lead to a lack of public and political support for climate action, as well as a lack of effective policies to protect vulnerable communities affected by climate change, including women and girls, as it tends to "exacerbate existing inequalities".

According to the press release, the aim of the media is to inform the public in an independent and relevant manner about current developments, to denounce abuses and to stimulate lively public debate through critical contributions. In recent years, this work has come under increased pressure around the world, whether through disinformation, fake news, verbal threats or even violent attacks during protests or other gatherings.

The role of journalists and all media professionals is "crucial", stressed the press release. "It is through their work, their courage and their perseverance that we have correct information about the events and developments taking place in different regions of the world."

Every year, World Press Freedom Day serves as a reminder to governments and the public of the need to respect and protect this commitment to press freedom. "A free and engaged press is one of the essential guarantors for an inclusive and democratic society: we must therefore do everything so that it can continue to work freely in the interest of an open and informed world," the press release concluded.