Climate Arena 2024

Participatory and deliberative democracy processes are becoming common among European cities. Also, the European Union invites all citizens to take active part in political decisions. However, effective media coverage of these initiatives is far from being achieved. How can we bring them to the center of media attention? What can these assemblies do to grab a journalist's attention and what can journalists learn from these processes?
There is a general consensus on the efficacy of these participatory initiatives in terms of citizens' engagement and collaboration, but how could they become part of the public debate through media coverage so we can change climate policies on the local level?
Starting from the experiences of the Climate Citizens’ Assemblies in Bologna and Brussels, the session is intended to be an interactive and open discussion.
Take your seat in the fish-bowl and bring your ideas!

The impact of the fossil industry on our climate is undisputed. Yet, the industry is finding ways to stay on top of the discourse and climate action. We knew they lied about what they knew. Now they’re changing narratives and use different tactics. And there is no shortage of their enablers.  

Come to this session to hear from three journalists who will tell you how to investigate the players behind the scenes. Sam Bright will talk about social media influencers and how to spot them; Leonie Sontheimer will discuss the role of PR agencies and how they operate; Elena Kolb will tell you all about insurance companies. The reporters will share their tips on how to find information, how to report on enablers, and how to identify a good story.

This is our (recurring) roundtable to bring together journalists from South and Eastern Europe so we can talk about challenges we face reporting on the climate and the environment, as well as share strategies, tactics, methods and tips for reporting on the climate in tough regions. This is a space to have an honest peer-to-peer discussion on what works and what doesn't in regions where the media landscape is already problematic and the audience might need to be engaged with differently.

You don't need to be from Southern or Eastern Europe to join — come to share your experiences from your country, let's hear and learn from each other.