Media Roundtable On Climate Policy Highlights Importance Of Community-Driven Initiatives

Bhubaneswar: Esteemed journalists, environmental experts, policymakers and grassroot climate change activists took part in a workshop titled ‘Climate Conversations: Media Roundtable on Climate Policy & Action’ at the Press Club of Odisha here on February 17.

Aimed at addressing the pressing issue of climate change, the workshop – organised by Voluntary Integration for Education and Welfare of Society (VIEWS) and US Consulate General Hyderabad – provided a platform for fostering dialogue, sharing insights and recognising exemplary journalism in climate change reporting.

Following the inaugural ceremony, the workshop commenced with a compelling session on ‘Climate Policies in Odisha: Issues and Challenges,’ chaired by Dr Arbinda Behera, a retired IAS officer.

Distinguished speakers — including senior journalist Sandeep Sahu, Padma Shri Sabarmatee from Sambhav, Odisha government Deputy Secretary (SSEPD department) Sanyasi Behera, UNICEF WASH, Environment & Climate Change specialist Shipra Saxena and Prof. Jaya Krushna Panigrahi from Odisha Environment Society — shed light on climate policy on urgent environmental concerns in the state.

It was followed by a panel discussion on ‘Climate Change Reporting: The Odisha Perspective’, led by Odisha Bytes & Odisha Sambad Group Editor Sandeep Mishra.

Panellists, including The Times of India Chief of Bureau Ashok Pradhan, senior journalists Sudarshan Chottray and Sarada Lahangir, highlighted the media’s vital role in shaping climate change reporting and fostering public awareness.

The session on ‘Climate Actions in Odisha: Sharing Best Practices from Ground’ was chaired by Rakhi Ghosh, senior journalists and environmental advocates including Sattvic Soul Foundation Founder Satyabrata Samal, Amaresh Mishra of IGSSS, IRO Youth4Water Plus Abhishek Mani and Associate Professor & Dean of KIIT University’s School of Mass Communication Dr Rajeev Kumar Panda.

They shared inspiring stories and innovative approaches to help in tackling climate change at the grassroots level. All speakers highlighted the importance of community-driven initiatives in combating climate change.

One of the highlights of the insightful workshop was an awards ceremony for vernacular journalists on Climate Change Reporting in Odisha. Journalists were recognised for their exemplary contributions towards raising awareness on climate change issues. The awards ceremony was facilitated by Ghasiram Panda from Action Aid, Head CSR Odisha Tata Steel Dr Ambika Prasad Nanda, Padma Shri Sabarmatee, Minati Singha of Odisha Women in Media, and ORUSA Director Fr John Karketta.