At the NDMA Media Seminar, Senator Sherry Rehman's address was not only inspiring but served as a comprehensive guide for all sectors engaged in climate crisis and disaster reporting.
Her remarks reflected a deep understanding of the political, scientific, and social dimensions of climate change, as well as a sharp awareness of the nature and impact of information flowing between media and the public.
One of the most important takeaways from her speech was this: "Timely, accurate, and digestible information can save lives and protect livelihoods." In a country like Pakistan, where climate change affects every region differently, this insight pushes us toward the need for a nationally coordinated yet locally informed strategy.
She also emphasized the global concept of "storytelling" — how international media effectively uses narrative to humanize facts. It was an important reminder to Pakistani journalists that data alone is not enough. To truly communicate the gravity of climate-related disasters, the media must connect with people on the ground, telling stories that resonate with human experiences.
Senator Rehman rightly pointed out that climate coverage in Pakistan is "episodic", only receiving attention when disasters strike. She called attention to the ongoing silence and neglect of critical issues like recent forest fires in Balochistan — which caused losses in the billions and claimed the lives of farmers — yet went largely unnoticed in mainstream media. Her question was simple yet striking: "How can we ignore such devastation and continue business as usual?"
Another significant point in her address was the disproportionate vulnerability of those at the bottom of the social pyramid — especially the 40% of Pakistan’s population living below the poverty line. These communities are always the first to suffer, yet their voices are the last to be heard. Her call for justice-based climate reporting was grounded in this reality.
Sherry Rehman also discussed how Pakistan’s ecological diversity demands region-specific climate policies. From mountains to deltas, deserts to urban flood zones — each region faces unique risks. She criticized the tendency to apply uniform policies to these dramatically different landscapes, stressing that this approach has failed and will continue to fail if not corrected.
Furthermore, her reference to extreme weather events — such as southern Pakistan hitting record-breaking 53°C temperatures — was a wake-up call. She questioned why such data doesn't dominate headlines when it represents some of the most dangerous climate thresholds in the world.
Her closing thoughts revolved around the importance of verified knowledge, accurate data, and social responsibility in reporting. In an age of media competition and noise, she reminded us that what saves lives is not sensationalism, but timely, precise, and accessible information.
As a climate journalist and researcher, I find her speech not only a warning for the media but also a roadmap for policymakers, educators, and youth. Climate change is no longer a future threat — it is a present reality, and our collective survival depends on how quickly and responsibly we respond.