An online workshop for Pacific journalists is seeking to raise their understanding of the impact of climate change and extreme weather during cyclone season. 

“Reaching Pacific audiences during the cyclone season” is the result of a partnership between A.B.C. International Development and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (S.P.R.E.P).

It aims to ensure that journalists can better inform Pacific communities during extreme weather events, in order to raise communities’ preparedness and response.

“Our work is ongoing in bridging several gaps for our Pacific resiliency.  We’re working through the science to bring information to our Pacific island communities to absorb and prepare for,” Ms, Nanette Woonton, a spokeswoman for S.P.R.E.P. said. 

“We’re also working to bring people together from different sectors – our Met Staff and Media from across the Pacific - to build networks for ease of sharing information that will be relayed onto our communities.”

The workshop will feature specialised sessions that will last 1.5 hours across four days from Tuesday 20 October to Friday 23 October.  

Sata stipends of AUD$120 will be available to participants who complete the program and file at least one related story.

The online workshop will also be aligned with the virtual Pacific Islands Climate Outlook Forum (P.I.C.O.F) 2020.  

P.I.C.O.F brings meteorological experts from across the region to discuss the upcoming tropical cyclone season and what Pacific audiences need to know about preparing for weather and climate events.

The online workshop is the culmination of a strong partnership between the A.B.C International Development and the S.P.R.E.P and the media programme is supported by the Australia Pacific Climate Partnership, an initiative of Australian Aid.

Lead of A.B.C International Development, part of Australia's national broadcaster, Jo Eslom stated that A.B.C International Development is really pleased to collaborate with S.P.R.E.P as part of our work to support media reporting on climate change in the Pacific.

“Helping journalists to interact with climate scientists and reach audiences with compelling climate stories are key to that endeavour,” she said.

Working with senior staff of the Australia Broadcasting Corporation, a key focus of the online workshop will be the content development for a wide range of audiences in mind.   

The media mentors will assist participants to cover the event and develop climate-focused stories that are accurate and compelling for Pacific audiences.

Ms. Woonton said: “We’re encouraging our Pacific media to register and be part of this.   

“We have great people and partnerships that are working to make this happen – building the knowledge base of our Pacific media, and the resiliency of our Pacific island communities.”