Lead Convener of the TN Africa Digital Journalism Summit 2025 and Ghana Representative for TN Africa, Senanu Damilola Wemakor, has made a passionate call on journalists across Africa to take climate journalism seriously as a responsibility to both the planet and future generations.
Speaking at the opening of the maiden summit held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the British Council in Accra, Mr Wemakor said the growing climate crisis demands bold, evidence-based, and action-oriented journalism capable of inspiring real change.
“Climate journalism is the duty journalists owe the earth and posterity to amplify the relevance of environmental protection by giving everyone a good understanding of this global call. We must demystify the science of climate change and bring the public to action in favour of environmental protection.”
This year’s summit, themed “Shaping Africa’s Future Through Climate Journalism,” brought together journalists, digital creators, thought leaders, and changemakers to explore how media innovation can advance climate awareness and environmental advocacy across the continent.
Reflecting on Ghana’s rising temperatures, Mr Wemakor noted that even the unusually warm October weather was a clear sign of changing climate patterns.
Interesting how warm today was earlier because I do not recall Octobers being this hot when I was a child. We have all noticed the shift in weather patterns and temperatures all over the world — and we all know it is due to human activities.”
He explained that everyday activities such as burning plastics and releasing black carbon, methane, and nitrous oxide into the atmosphere contribute heavily to global warming and erratic weather conditions.
Citing data from 2024, Mr. Wemakor reminded participants that Africa recorded its second-warmest year on record, with devastating floods in West and East Africa, heat waves in the North, and prolonged droughts in the South.
“Let me save you the gory details of the fatalities, food insecurity and displacement among many other effects,” he lamented.
Despite Ghana having over 24 million internet users and 8 million active social media users, Mr. Wemakor questioned why climate awareness remains low among the youth and digital audiences.
“Africa has the most youthful population in the world. Why then do we seem to be in the dark about the effects of our poor sanitation, galamsey, mass burning, improper waste management and destruction of natural resources?” he asked.
He explained that TN Africa, the pan-African digital media platform behind the summit, remains committed to three key pillars: credible journalism, creative storytelling and social progress.
“TN Africa believes in the combined power of empowered youth, media and development communication to explore African issues through an innovative African lens,” Mr. Wemakor said.
He urged journalists to embrace accuracy, objectivity, and truthfulness, and to avoid political influence and bias, especially when covering climate issues.
“We are the most equipped generation to hold those in power accountable in the formulation, execution and institutionalisation of climate-friendly policies,” he emphasized.
Stressing the importance of collaboration in addressing environmental issues, he said, “A handful of lighted coal will definitely burn brighter and longer than one lighted coal. This summit is designed to awaken the media ecosystem — thought leaders, content creators, young journalists and innovators — to collaborate for an impact-driven solution to climate change.”
“We have taken enough from nature, and now is the time to give back for its restoration,” he said. “Changemakers present here today, please share data, resources and skills to propel action — not only from those in power but also from those yet to realise their power in the face of this global issue.”
The TN Africa Digital Journalism Summit 2025 is part of TN Africa Media’s commitment to empowering young storytellers to use journalism and digital platforms as tools for social change.
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