Journalist Keya Acharya, speaking at the Greenaccord Conference, highlights the challenges and hopes of environmental journalism in India, stressing the need for greater commitment to tackling climate change.
Written by Francesca Merlo
A journalist for more than three decades, Keya Acharya, from Bangalore in southern India, has devoted much of her career to environmental reporting. Although it started as an interest, over the years “it turned into a commitment” he tells Vatican News.
On the sidelines of the 16th Greenaccord International Conference, which takes place from 11-13 October in Rome, Acharya explains that “the environment is not just an issue I report on. It is the cause that has shaped the way I see the world”.
A changing country
Reflecting on the state of environmental journalism in his country, Acharya explains that the situation is complex. Despite increasing public awareness and advocacy, he notes that India has yet to show real political commitment to combating climate change. “There’s no long-term commitment, no real strategic alignment,” he says
Media coverage of environmental issues in India also faces some challenges. Acharya explains that big business owners are limiting what can be reported, and many stories are banned because they could threaten business interests. At the same time, he continues, “The role of editors has been greatly reduced. They used to have real influence, but now, they are mostly drama.”
Hope for the next generation
Despite these challenges, Acharya expresses hope in the young generation of journalists. He leads a nationwide network of journalists committed to reporting on environmental issues and 60% of them, he says, are young people. He adds: “I am very happy about that, and explained that “at least something is changing. The environment, which was once ignored, is now becoming a topic of interest for many young people in India.”
As a teacher of environmental and development literature, Acharya encourages his students to find environmental angles in every story. “If you are sent to cover a football game, ask how they manage waste or how they deal with the use of plastic. There’s always a way to connect it to the environment,” he says.
Impact of climate change on India
Acharya also talks about the negative impact climate change is having on agriculture in his country. The rainy season, which followed a reliable pattern, has become erratic, and “farmers no longer know when to plant their crops,” he explains. “Climate change has disrupted the usual planting seasons, and this, together with soil degradation due to the use of pesticides, has affected crop yields. Many small farmers are struggling.”
However, Acharya continues, the challenges of climate change extend beyond agriculture, to migration, food security, and poverty. “Climate change is a major cause of forced migration. “When people are no longer able to cultivate their land, they are left with no choice but to migrate, which causes other social problems, from trade to disruption of education,” he noted.
A ray of hope
Despite the many challenges, Acharya remains optimistic about India’s renewable energy, especially solar energy. India has an amazing source of solar energy. We have sunshine most of the year, except during the rainy season. Solar energy is something we have to invest heavily in,” he says.
Acharya also believes that although environmental policies are in place, implementation remains the key issue. “There are several policies aimed at helping the environment, but we don’t see them being fully implemented. The transition to renewable energy, for example, is still hindered by existing systems and infrastructure,” he explains.
Humanity and hope
Finally, Keya Acharya emphasizes that the fight for the environment is difficult but it is one that we should change in our lives: “We may face many obstacles, but there is always hope. We must keep working, keep persevering, and keep believing in a better future. ”
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