The global forum dubbed ‘The heat is on’ brings together a unique mix of participants which include scientists, politicians, media users and producers, energy industry experts, policy makers as well as representatives from international, grassroots and non-governmental organizations, to find answers on how to mitigate on the negative effects of climate change.

With the focus being on the media’s role in combating climate change, journalists have been asked to tackle the climate change topic with the seriousness it deserves.

Erik Bettermann, the Director General of DW said that though the media cannot influence the environment directly, journalists can package the facts in a logical manner and motivate individuals to take action.

“Thorough research, proper weighting of sources and precise analysis will become more important than headlines and emotions,” he told the gathering. He implored on media professionals to go beyond fear-mongering and trivialization and stand up for quality journalism.

“Journalists can’t allow themselves to be taken in by someone selling a sensational, albeit questioning catastrophe scenario, nor by someone who is prematurely stating that the coast is clear.”

German’s Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Guido Westerwelle noted that media outlets not only have the opportunity to inform wide sections of the public about developments and problems but they can also acquaint people with concrete proposals and directly influence human behavior. Noting that reporting climate change issues is a daunting task for many journalists, the minister urged the media to help break the climate change jargon for the laymen to understand, in order to look for viable solutions.

Independent media

He also noted that free and independent media is crucial when it comes to reporting climate change issues.

According to the minister, the German government has committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2020 and this target sends a signal around the world.

With the failed Copenhagen climate change talks in December last year, more action needs to be done. The Mayor of Bonn Jurgen Nimptsch noted that, ‘If there is any instrument to break walls and to open doors for a necessary new thinking, it is the media.’

“Climate change is no longer a question of ‘If we should act but rather, what is your role as an individual, in combating climate change’.”

He also noted that fighting climate change is more of a foreign policy issue and that international cooperation needs to take centre stage if the world is to combat this catastrophe.


Close to 1,500 participants from 95 countries are attending the conference and a series of workshops being held on the sidelines.