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Background

In Africa, the devastating effects of climate change are becoming increasingly evident. Numerous countries in this region are grappling with a myriad of challenges, including frequent flooding, prolonged droughts, failed crop yields, land degradation, and biodiversity loss. The disruptions caused by climate change have compelled farmers to abandon traditional agricultural practices in favor of new methods that significantly impact the overall production system. Drought has further exacerbated poverty levels by rendering the cultivation of food crops nearly impossible. Additionally, fluctuations in temperature have altered the behavior and migration patterns of various pests across different nations.

Despite the numerous challenges they face, African countries are demonstrating remarkable resilience and innovation in their efforts to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Across various regions, many innovative solutions, policies, and individual initiatives are taking shape. These include the development of climate-resilient seed varieties, the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, and the implementation of renewable energy initiatives such as wind and solar technologies. Progress is being made in formulating comprehensive energy efficiency strategies, advancing weather monitoring services, advisory services, and deploying effective water management technologies. Furthermore, there are ongoing endeavors to establish environmental and social governance standards, implement domestic financing strategies, manage disaster risks, engage in community-led ecosystem restoration projects, and undertake major initiatives aimed at reforestation, land restoration, and biodiversity conservation.

In addition, African leaders are integrating climate change issues into legislation and regulation with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact. There has also been a shift in consumer behavior towards sustainability.

Ivindo River flowing through Ivindo National Park in Gabon. Photo courtesy of Rhett A. Butler.

COP29 coverage opportunity with Mongabay

The upcoming 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 11 to 22 November 2024, provides a unique opportunity for African journalists to raise awareness of the urgent and pressing threat of climate change and to focus on effective solutions being implemented across Africa.

Mongabay plans to engage African journalists to cover and write articles on the key topics addressed at the conference.

Mongabay is excited to announce that African journalists will have the opportunity to cover the 29th UN Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP29) virtually from their respective home countries.

The selected journalists will report from their home countries under the guidance of Mongabay Africa’s editors.

Mongabay will fund the production of articles, podcasts, and videos created by the journalists during the COP29 period in Baku.

Before the start of COP29, chosen journalists will receive support and guidance from experienced journalists specializing in environment and climate change, as well as trainers with expertise in covering UN climate summits.

The selected journalists will interview individuals in their home countries and produce articles from their local communities about specific solutions being implemented across Africa to tackle climate change. The articles and broadcast programs will be reviewed and published on the Mongabay website. Each journalist is expected to commit to publishing at least five articles, audio, or video products during the duration of the COP29.

How to apply

To be eligible for this program, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

• Be a professional journalist or representative of an established media (urban or rural with national, regional, and/or international reach) reporting in an African country.
• Have previous experience reporting on climate change issues and clearly identify the climate change topics they may cover during COP29.
• Be available and willing to cover COP29 virtually from their home country.
• Commit to participating in all program activities.

The selection criteria for participants include:

• Demonstrable experience covering climate change and other environmental issues.
• Ability to engage in mobile journalism and/or multimedia reporting.
• A clear reporting plan for COP29.

Application documents required:

• A short application letter of approximately 500 words outlining your experience in climate change coverage and your motivation to cover COP29.
• Candidates are invited to submit three (3) samples of their work published in English and/or French between January and October 2024 in the form of documents or web links.

Apply

Apply here for the call for proposals to cover COP 29. To change the language of the application form to French, click the language selection dropdown menu in the top right corner.

For any inquiries, please contact:

• Christophe Assogba at christophe@mongabay.com
• Terna Gyuse at terna@mongabay.com
• Juliette Chapalain at juliette@mongabay.com.