At the GreenAccord Forum in Treviso, Italy, journalists have been deep in conversation about a key question: How do we report on climate change without overwhelming people? This year, the highlight was the recognition of Covering Climate Now with the international media award.
Santiago Sáez, the Director of Training at Covering Climate Now, accepted the award. He sees this moment as a challenging time for journalists everywhere. “This is probably the most important story of our generation,” he shared.
One major challenge is reporting on the climate crisis without making people feel helpless. Sáez highlights the need for a new approach. Instead of diluting the truth, he suggests changing how we tell the story, focusing on solutions. He believes in a three-part strategy: making climate issues local, personal, and solution-oriented. When climate change is presented as a distant or abstract problem, it feels less urgent. But when it’s tied to real-life experiences, it becomes immediate and relatable.
He uses the Covid-19 pandemic as an example. During that time, journalism did not shy away from the suffering but also highlighted solutions, like masks and vaccines. Sáez argues that climate journalism should do the same: it should balance the seriousness of the challenge with stories of hope and solutions. “Science shows we have the tools to avoid severe consequences,” he states.
Unfortunately, we’re also in an era filled with misinformation. The discussions at the forum underscored the evolving responsibility of the media. Misinformation can spread quickly, and in some regions, getting reliable data has become tougher. For instance, in the U.S., the government has pulled back from climate discussions, impacting funding for climate initiatives.
Sáez points out a broader trend of retreat in climate communication, making it tougher for journalists to navigate. To counter misinformation, new strategies are being developed. One is the “truth sandwich,” which starts with verified facts, places false claims in context, and then returns to the truth. Another is called “inoculation,” preparing audiences to spot misinformation before they encounter it.
While these methods are not foolproof, they are part of an important effort to maintain trust. Throughout the forum, trust and hope emerged as vital themes. Discussions ranged from eco-anxiety among youth to biodiversity and sustainable architecture. It’s clear that the ecological crisis affects not just the environment but also people’s mental well-being and outlook on the future.
Sáez and other participants found that being aware of the issues is no longer the main hurdle. The real challenge lies in what we do next. Journalists have a crucial role in connecting data with daily life—bridging global crises with personal responsibility and transforming fear into action.
As the forum wraps up, a call for cooperation among countries, sectors, and individuals becomes clear. The conversations in Treviso remind us that how we frame these stories impacts the future we create. To shape a better tomorrow, we must understand these issues deeply and choose our words wisely.
For more on the challenges of climate communication, check Covering Climate Now’s practices.
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young people, environment, hope, Climate change, journalism
