Under the Siege of Environmental Crisis

Humans now live under the siege of an environmental crisis. Journalists must never tire of voicing the public interest.

KOMPAS/ADRYAN YOGA PARAMADWYA

Technicians check the Cirata PLTS project in Purwakarta, West Java, on September 26, 2023. The use of solar energy to generate electricity is part of an effort to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, a gas that causes global warming.

Every May 3rd, the international press community celebrates World Press Freedom Day. In 2024, the event will be held in Santiago, Chile.

The theme raised this year, in accordance with the reality of the world currently hit by climate change, is "A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis" (Press for the Earth : Journalism in Facing the Environmental Crisis). The media has an obligation to protect the environment, among other things, by continuously warning about potential disasters that could befall citizens of the world.

On World Press Freedom Day, Friday (3/5/2024), United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres highlighted the role of journalists in reporting on environmental damage. The world is experiencing an environmental emergency and poses a major threat to current and future generations. The public needs to know this. Journalists and media workers play an important role in providing information and educating citizens (Kompas.id, 3/5/2024).

KOMPAS/ADRIAN FAJRIANSYAH

Illegal tin mining is taking place around fishing villages in Pangkal Arang, Pangkal Balam district, Pangkal Pinang city, Bangka-Belitung on April 24, 2024. Environmental damage should be a concern for everyone through reporting and other journalistic products.

Also read: Growing Threats to Press Freedom in the Midst of Environmental Emergency

The issue of air pollution is not a new one. The condition of communities who are threatened by air pollution has been ongoing for some time. There is abundant research indicating the threats of air pollution's impacts. However, unfortunately, this has not yet prompted significant efforts in controlling air pollution. Residents' lives are becoming increasingly miserable under the onslaught of air pollution. World Press Freedom Day was established by the United Nations in 1993, following a proposal by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1991. In 2021, the theme for World Press Freedom Day is "Information as a Public Good". Information is a public commodity, so no one should be allowed to control it for personal or group gain. In 2023, the theme will be "Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for All Other Human Rights". These themes are related to the need for accurate information and freedom of speech, as journalists can voice their concerns and raise awareness of environmental damage.

However, speaking up for nature and the environment, as well as revealing to the public anyone who is tearing apart the environment for their own or group interests, is not without risk. Many journalists have died as a result of reporting on environmental damage on this earth. Guterres mentioned that several journalists who covered illegal mining, logging, wildlife hunting, and other environmental issues were killed in the past few decades. UNESCO stated that at least 749 journalists and media outlets reporting on environmental issues have become targets of murder, physical violence, detention, and harassment during the period from 2009 to 2023.

KOMPAS/RONY ARIYANTO NUGROHO

Journalists are trying to get information from ex-Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo after he was questioned by investigators from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) at the KPK's Red and White Building in Jakarta on November 23, 2023. Journalists are also responsible for encouraging the public to reduce practices that harm the environment.

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A similar condition is also happening in Indonesia. In 2014, several journalists in South Sulawesi were attacked by authorities while covering students protesting against environmentally damaging mining. In 2023, the Independent Journalist Alliance noted 89 cases of violence against journalists, an increase from previous years. Some media workers have been voicing concerns about environmental destruction.

Humans are currently facing an environmental crisis, resulting in continued disasters. Journalists must not tire of voicing public interests and protecting the environment while maintaining their independence and personal safety.