Environment: From Global Warnings to Media Alert

December 12, 2008

10-11 October 2008
Venice, San Servolo island

The international conference “Environment: From Global Warnings to Media Alert” was promoted by the WPF together with the Province of Venice and the Ministry for Environment.

Journalists and news executives from 29 countries representing six continents met in San Servolo (Venice), Italy, on October 10 and 11 to challenge the international media to improve public understanding of the impact of climate change.

The role of information is fundamental to achieve a better public awareness of the serious risks we are facing, in order to hinder the impact of climate change. It is a global challenge that must be faced with a global effort.

The Conference concluded on a positive note: “Numerous positive solutions to change this course exist - stressed Martin Lees, Secretary-General of the Club of Rome. Science and innovations in technology can offer alternatives to the present model of development. But this will not be enough without a growth in awareness on these issues by politicians and civil society. There is, however, cause for optimism, but we must act now”.

Climate experts and media representatives approved a final declaration, calling for higher standards of reporting on strategic options to avert irreversible damages caused to the ecosystems.