Powerful and accurate reporting is crucial to solving the climate and biodiversity crises. But in a time of fake news, how should journalists write about forests – and how can we break down barriers between experts and the media?
This free livestreamed discussion held alongside the XV World Forestry Congress brought together former BBC Science editor David Shukman and FAO Senior Forestry Officer Malgorzata Buszko-Briggs to discuss reporting on forests to diverse audiences.
David Shukman played a leading role in the BBC’s coverage of the environment with reports regularly featured on flagship TV and radio programmes and the BBC website for nearly twenty years. A pioneer of live broadcasting from remote locations from the Amazon rainforest to the Antarctic ice-sheet, David has won awards for highlighting global warming, deforestation and plastic pollution. Sir David Attenborough describes him as “a leader in raising awareness of climate change”. After a career in journalism lasting four decades and spanning more than 100 countries, David left the BBC after COP26 in November 2021 and is now working as a freelance journalist, speaker and consultant. His recent TV documentary, Reporting from the Climate Frontlines, is available here on YouTube. His website is here.
Malgorzata (Margo) Buszko-Briggs is a Senior Forestry Officer and Team Leader of the Forestry Division at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) as well as Secretary of the Committee on Forestry. Margo recently served as REDD+ Team Leader and led FAO’s global portfolio on REDD+. She also served as FAO’s representative to the Management Group of the United Nations Collaborative Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (UN-REDD). With more than 20 years of international experience in a range of environmental areas, Margo has worked in Eastern Europe, Russia, Asia-Pacific and West Africa, and has been based in FAO’s Rome headquarters since 2011.
This discussion was part of an online media seminar hosted by the Global Landscapes Forum and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), Building a green, healthy and resilient future with forests.
Finally…
…thank you for reading this story. Our mission is to make them freely accessible to everyone, no matter where they are.
We believe that lasting and impactful change starts with changing the way people think. That’s why we amplify the diverse voices the world needs to hear – from local restoration leaders to Indigenous communities and women who lead the way.
By supporting us, not only are you supporting the world’s largest knowledge-led platform devoted to sustainable and inclusive landscapes, but you’re also becoming a vital part of a global movement that’s working tirelessly to create a healthier world for us all.
Every donation counts – no matter the amount. Thank you for being a part of our mission.
