Pakistan is experiencing a significant shift in its journalism landscape, particularly concerning climate reporting. It's now rare to find a major media house without at least one dedicated, full-time climate reporter. While these reporters are often junior journalists or less experienced than their senior counterparts, both English and local language media outlets are making this commitment.

This marks a considerable change from just a decade ago, when no such dedicated role existed. Previously, environmental incidents were typically covered by local bodies or health reporters as an additional assignment.

Despite these challenges, Pakistan boasts some exceptionally brilliant environmental reporters in both print and electronic media. Their success stories demonstrate that even without extensive institutional support, it's possible to become a leading voice in environmental journalism in Pakistan.

It's quite surprising that a prominent private university located in Karachi's Korangi Creek area includes environmental journalism as an optional subject. In its recently concluded semester, a total of 23 media studies students enrolled in the course and showed considerable enthusiasm. Interestingly, the majority of these students had a completely different perspective on the subject after finishing it. They confessed that their initial understanding was that environmental journalism was solely about activities like planting trees and collecting garbage. This highlights a gap in the education of aspiring climate journalists, often resulting in media........

© The Express Tribune