Journalists are to create collective efforts that lead to positive change while telling the climate change story, thereby giving hope to affected victims.
This was the position of an Award-winning Cinematographer/Director, Samson Simpa, at Africa Community Hangout.
The hangout, which was geared towards enhancing climate journalism in Africa, was tagged: “Telling the climate story visually.”
The discussion was moderated by Vivian Chime, African Journalism Manager at Climate Tracker.
While addressing the issues associated with climate change and its approaches, Simpa stated that climate change is a complex problem that requires innovative approaches to narrating the story effectively.
He said: “Telling the climate story visually is not just about documenting the problems but also about offering solutions and hope.
“It’s about mobilising communities, governments and individuals to address this global crisis.
“Through immersive storytelling and the power of voices, we have the opportunity to create a collective consciousness that leads to positive change.”
Simpa explained that climate change is not just a scientific or environmental issue, but a human issue that must have an attribute of immersion and authenticity.
Also, it connects with the values of the audience such as justice, compassion, security and freedom.
Hence, there is a need to use stories that spark empathy and relevance.
He said: “Climate change is a complex problem that requires immediate action.
“We allow the audience to experience the impact of the story.
“It entails spending some time in the affected environments and communities to help understand the nuances of their experiences.
“It affects people from all walks of life, and stories are essential in understanding the multifaceted nature of the crisis.
“The diversity not only enriches our narratives, but also underscores the fact that climate change is a shared global challenge that demands collective action.”
Simpa further added that filming climate change requires creativity, thereby using visual power to transcend language barriers, cultural differences and political divides and then back it up with accurate information and avoid exaggeration and misinformation that can undermine your credibility.
An award-winning Cameroonian multimedia journalist, Eyong Blaise, who spoke on: “How to pitch and execute a visual climate change story,” stated that in pitching a good story you must ensure that your story idea is appealing to a wider audience and highlight the extremely important things.
However, Blaise emphasised the need to keep stories accurate and realistic to achieve rather than exaggerating them.
Also, while pitching a climate story, consider if the story is relevant at that time.
He said: “When you are pitching a story it is better to film someone who is directly affected by the impacts or effects of climate change because in every story it has to do with human beings.
“And sometimes the age and location of the victim is important which helps to tell the story effectively.”
Blaise added that you cannot tell a climate change story without proper B-rolls as interviews are not enough.
He added: B-rolls are actions and most times the viewers will understand the story when they see the action better than what is been said.
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“When you are going out to shoot a climate change story, have a visual plan, think about the B-rolls you intend filming and have varieties of actions that show the problem, the consequences and probably the solution.”
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