By Raphael Godlove Ahenu, Founder & CEO, Global Media Foundation LBG
(In Commemoration of World Press Freedom Day 2025)
Abstract:
As the world marks World Press Freedom Day 2025 under the theme: “Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis,” this article reflects on the transformative role of the media in shaping global priorities. With over two decades in the media sector and through the work of Global Media Foundation (GLOMEF), the author explores how the media continues to serve as a powerful tool for justice, development, peacebuilding, and environmental stewardship. The write-up calls for stronger protection of press freedom and greater investment in environmental journalism to ensure a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world.
Introduction
In an era marked by environmental breakdown, social inequality, and misinformation, the voice of the media is more important than ever. This year’s World Press Freedom Day 2025, themed “Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis,” serves as a timely reminder of the vital role journalists play in informing the public, exposing the truth, and inspiring action—particularly in the face of the climate emergency.
Having spent more than 20 years in the media sector and as Founder of Global Media Foundation (GLOMEF), I have witnessed the profound impact the media bring to bear on public discourse and policy. Whether through community radio or national platforms, journalism can give voice to the voiceless, shine a light on injustice, and mobilize society toward a sustainable change.
Media as a Catalyst for Environmental and Social Justice
The power of the press lies not just in storytelling but in story-shaping. Environmental degradation—from deforestation and desertification to mining pollution—disproportionately affects the poor and marginalized. Yet these communities are often invisible in mainstream media narratives.
Through our programs at GLOMEF, we have amplified the voices of affected communities, educated the public on environmental sustainability, and challenged harmful policies. From radio talk shows on plastic waste to investigative reports on illegal mining, our work demonstrates how localized, people-centered journalism can drive national awareness and policy reform.
Shaping the Development Agenda Through Journalism
The global development agenda, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), cannot succeed without strong, independent media. Journalists connect policy to people, translating technical goals into grassroots action.
Yet despite their crucial role, environmental journalists are under-supported, underfunded, and frequently under threat. In response, GLOMEF has launched initiatives to train journalists in environmental reporting, track climate-related corruption, and ensure that development narratives include local voices and indigenous knowledge.
A development agenda that ignores the environment is incomplete—and a media sector that ignores environmental reporting is complicit.
Media for Peace in a Climate-Stressed World
Climate change is not just an environmental issue, it is a peace and security issue. Resource scarcity, displacement, and food insecurity are already contributing to social unrest in many regions.
The media must tread carefully but boldly in this space. Reporting responsible can reduce tensions, correct misinformation, and offer platforms for dialogue and reconciliation. GLOMEF has championed conflict-sensitive environmental journalism, training reporters to navigate complex narratives and promote peace through informed reporting.
Safeguarding Press Freedom to Protect the Planet
The ability of journalists to report freely on environmental issues is under attack. Around the world, media personnel face intimidation, censorship, and even violence for exposing ecological damage or holding powerful actors accountable.
This World Press Freedom Day 2025 is a call to defend those voices. Governments must stop criminalizing journalism. Donors must fund independent media. Newsrooms must invest in climate coverage. And civil society must stand with the press as it stands for the planet.
Conclusion
The media does more than reporting events – it helps shape reality. In the face of an escalating environmental crisis, journalism must rise to its highest calling: to be a voice for truth, for justice, and for life itself.
Let us use this moment to recommit to media freedom, not just as a democratic ideal, but as a survival imperative. Because without press freedom, there is no transparency. Without transparency, there is no action. And without action, there is no future.
About the Author
Raphael Godlove Ahenu is a seasoned media and development professional with over 20 years of experience. He is the Founder and CEO of Global Media Foundation (GLOMEF), a leading advocacy and media-based non-profit organisation working to promote human rights, environmental sustainability, and community development across Ghana and the rest of the world.
Отзывы
It’s inspiring to see how the media can be a force for positive change, especially in addressing the environmental crisis. The emphasis on giving a voice to marginalized communities is crucial, as their stories often go untold. I wonder, though, how can we ensure that environmental journalism reaches those who are most affected by these issues? The work of GLOMEF seems impactful, but what challenges do you face in sustaining such initiatives? It’s clear that press freedom is essential, but how do we balance it with the need for accurate and responsible reporting? I’d love to hear more about specific projects or success stories that have made a tangible difference. What can individuals do to support environmental journalism and press freedom?