The Institute for Research, Advocacy and Development (IRADA), in partnership with the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), held a capacity-building workshop to strengthen green skills among journalists under the Danish Embassy-funded project ‘Shaping Pakistan’s Climate Prosperity Plan to Advance Inclusive and Equitable Development in Pakistan.’ The programme focused on equipping media professionals with the knowledge needed to report on climate mitigation and adaptation actions across the country.
Dr Asif Khan, a climate change expert and trainer, delivered an in-depth session on climate science, policy and governance, stressing practical links between reporting and policy outcomes. He explained the distinction between climate and weather, saying ‘Climate is what we expect in the long term, while weather is what we get on a daily basis.’
Dr Khan identified weak policy planning and slow implementation of the National Adaptation Plan as major barriers to effective response, urging stronger coordination between Pakistan’s Nationally Determined Contributions and the National Adaptation Plan. He highlighted that aligning these frameworks is essential to build meaningful resilience and advance sustainable development goals.
He also emphasized the need for evidence-based climate policies and better governance mechanisms, noting that journalists who understand technical and fiscal dimensions can improve public discourse and accountability. The session underscored how improved climate reporting can bridge gaps between policy design and community-level adaptation efforts.
Syeda Kashmala, Programme Officer and organiser, said the workshop aimed to deepen understanding of climate change and fiscal planning through targeted training. She described the initiative as a way to support reporters covering climate mitigation and adaptation, enabling them to communicate complex environmental issues and policy choices more clearly to the public.
More than a dozen journalists from diverse media organisations attended and engaged in interactive discussions on climate governance, sustainable development and the role of media in promoting awareness of adaptation strategies. Participants left with practical approaches to strengthen climate reporting and contribute to informed debate on Pakistan’s path to a resilient, low-carbon future.
