As the effects of climate change become more visible across Africa, people are turning to trusted sources to understand what is happening and what they can do.
In Egypt, both international and national media are trusted equally. Citizens also rely heavily on scientists and universities to get clear and honest information about climate change.
In South Africa, local media is the most trusted source. However, many South Africans also believe in information coming from international media and educational institutions.
Moroccans show a strong preference for international sources. They trust international media more than their local media. They also believe more in international scientists and international NGOs than in their local ones.
In Botswana, people get their climate change information from both local and international media. At the same time, nearly half of the population also turns to schools and universities to learn more.
The trend shows that across Africa, people want facts and trustworthy information about climate change. Whether from the media, scientists, or schools, the goal is the same — to understand the climate crisis and find ways to protect their communities and environment.
The findings were contained in a survey done online which asked people what they think about climate change, how concerned they are about the environment, and whether they support climate solutions. It also tested people’s awareness of methane emissions — a powerful greenhouse gas that causes about 30% of global warming since the Industrial Revolution.
The survey was commissioned by the Global Methane Hub to understand public support for cutting methane pollution. Methane comes from oil and gas, landfills, and livestock, and reducing it is one of the fastest ways to slow down climate change.
USA, other parts of the world, also look to local media for climate change information
In the United States, many people first get climate information from local or national media. However, more than 20% of Americans say they do not get any climate change information at all.
In Britain, people trust local and national media first, followed by British scientists.
The French mainly listen to French media, but many also turn to NGOs – both local and international – for updates on climate issues.
In Germany, people rely on both local and international media, as well as scientists. But they trust local community leaders and international leaders less when it comes to climate information.
In Argentina, almost everyone (92%) is getting climate information, mostly from local media, which they prefer over international outlets.
Brazilians also prefer local news over international sources when learning about climate change, by a big difference of 18 percentage points.
In Colombia, over a third of the people get their climate updates from international NGOs, showing they are open to hearing messages from global groups.
In Mexico, people use both local and international media about equally, making them more open to global media messages than other Latin American countries.
In the Middle East, people in Oman mostly trust international and local media for their climate information.
In Asia, people in Indonesia also turn to local and international media. They also trust scientists and schools.
In the Philippines, the most trusted sources are local media and schools. Filipinos were the most likely to say they learn about climate change in school.
In Kazakhstan, two out of five people get climate information from local and international media.
In Pakistan, most people use local and national media, but about one-third also listen to local scientists.
What This Means
The findings show that while people in different countries trust different sources, most are using local media to learn about climate change. In most places, local media remains the most important way for people to receive climate information. They also show that people are ready to take action, especially when they understand how methane reduction can protect their communities and the planet.
But as global warming affects every country, it’s also important for international organizations, scientists, and schools to work together to share clear and honest information.
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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
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