In Malakal, in the Upper Nile State of South Sudan, journalists gathered early this month to celebrate the World Press Freedom Day. At the end of the day’s events, they all made one important call: more training to improve their skills.

The reality is that many nations are experiencing rapid changes in the environment that have the potential to reshape nature and human life through direct exposure to sunlight and causing unexpected natural calamities. In fact, the Government of Malawi issued strict penalties on those engaged in illegal charcoal production in 2022, making it difficult for its population to use this form of energy.

Environmental journalists in Malawi have urged the government to stop intimidating them and respect their right to reporting while they cover stories.
James Chavula, an environmental journalist and the Deputy Secretary General of the Association of Environmental Journalists (AEJ) in Malawi, blames corrupt government officials who only care about self satisfaction rather than serving the public interest.
He added that many journalists in Malawi fear covering the environment because it is associated with “big” people in the country.