By Ashwini Darjee
BARGARH: Environmental problems like climate change, loss of animal diversity, pollution etc. have been declared as a global crisis in a conference organized by Bargarh Sambadik Sangha. Critics expressed their views by taking part in the discussion titled ‘Environmental Crisis and Green Journalism’ organized in the memory of the late journalist Prafulla Dash, one of the founding members of the Bargarh Sambadik Sangha, under the chairmanship of the Sangha’s President Surendra Hota.
Former President of Bargarh Sambadik Sangha and former Rajya Sabha member Prasanna Acharya participated as the Chief Guest while eminent Environment expert Ranjan Panda participated as the Chief Critic. As one of the most prominent critics, the eminent scientist Prof Dr Prabhat Sahu, Bargarh MLA Debesh Acharya and former President of the Sambadik Sangha Shankar Ballabha Mishra participated in the discussion. In this program, hundreds working journalists of Bargarh District and including former Lok Sabha MP Dr Prabhash Singh, were present and many wise people were present to pay their respects to the late journalist Prafulla Dash.
In the morning, Dr. Sahu, in his presence, discussed about the various problems of environmental crisis and presented a factual report on how the level of air pollution is increasing in the city. Climate change, loss of biodiversity, pollution and other environmental problems are interrelated and pose a serious threat to our planet and its inhabitants. Commenting on this, Dr. Prabhat Sahu gave the example of natural rainfall in the Bargarh district as the number of rainy days is decreasing year by year and the temperature is increasing. Dr. Sahu expressed the opinion that green journalism can be very helpful in solving this problem.
It is worth mentioning here that Green Journalism or Green Journalism is a type of reporting which focuses on environmental problems. It aims to inform the public about the environmental crisis, its causes and consequences, and possible solutions. Green communicators generally work to hold governments and organizations accountable for their environmental impact and to encourage sustainable practices.
Similarly, prominent critic and nationally renowned environmentalist Prof. Prafulla Panda opined that green journalism is necessary to create public awareness about the environmental crisis and increase support for the cause. Green journalists also expressed the view that they can play a role in holding the current system accountable and promoting sustainable practices based on data reporting. On this occasion, he said that only monsoon rains and its effects are broadly accepted as climate change but in reality its impact is much greater. The environmental crisis is not just a local problem, it has global implications. Through green journalism, journalists can use data analytics to track environmental trends and measure the impact of policy.
So, instead of relying on climate interactive websites available online, he called on media representatives to do in-depth research into the impact of climate change at the local level. Climate interactive websites available online allow users to explore different climate scenarios and get basic educational information on how they affect different parts of the world. Explanatory communication that helps the public understand complex environmental problems.
For example, the BBC’s “Climate Change” website provides detailed information on the causes, consequences and possible solutions to climate change, said environmentalist Ranjan Panda. “Green journalism can help create a more sustainable future for all by highlighting innovative solutions to environmental problems, informing the public, holding polluters accountable, and promoting sustainable practices,” commented environmentalist Ranjan Panda.
Similarly, the past President of the Bargarh Sambadik Sangha Shankar ballabha Mishra highlighted the simplicity of the Sambadik Late Prafulla Dash. Debesh Acharya highlighted him as a brilliant personality. Similarly, past President of Mr. Mishra threw light on the past history of the Sambadik Sangha and the role of the late Sambadik Prafulla Dash.
The chief guest and renowned political personality Prasanna Acharya Bargarh discussed about the glorious history of the Sambadik sangha and gave information about how the journalists of the region have succeeded in creating public opinion through creative programs and journalism and paid tribute to the legacy of the late journalist Prafulla Dash.
On this occasion, a memorial and plaque was presented by the Bargarh Sambadik Sangha. In the beginning, the General Secretary of the Sangha, Premānanda Khamari, gave preliminary information and highlighted the critical issues. At the end, the senior members of the Sambadik sangha expressed their gratitude.
