Award launched to reward climate change stories in Africa

The 2014 African Climate Change and Environment Reporting Award (ACCER) was launched on Sunday to reward African journalists who report consistently and accurately on the subject. Sponsored by the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance and other donor partners, the award aims to motivate African journalists to pay more attention to the impacts of climate change on African people. "Africa remains the epicenter of severe impacts of climate change such as droughts, floods and diseases. There is a need for the African media to devote their attention to these calamities," said Mithika Mwenda, secretary general of the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance. Mwenda said judges will be looking for stories that stand out in terms of accuracy, consistency and impact. The winners will receive cash prizes, trophies and certificates of recognition. He said the African media are key to public awareness about climate change issues on the continent and to actions from the governments. Nicholas Ozor, a senior research officer of the Africa Technology Policy Studies, said journalists should report more on climate science and policies. "The media should be part of policy dialogue on climate change and how it impacts our daily lives. The African media should be on the frontline in informing the public of the hazards associated with a warming planet," said Ozor. Media practitioners from Africa will submit their stories on climate change starting from March 10 and the winners will be announced in June.