About 30 journalists, editors, and media professionals from across the country took part in a two-day online training aimed at strengthening climate reporting and storytelling in the face of overlapping global crises.
Held via Zoom on August 19â20, the Net Zero 102 Media Training: The Role of Purposeful Journalism in a Polycrises World expanded on last yearâs introductory course on net zero, greenwashing, and sustainability standards. This yearâs advanced course focused on practical tools and skills such as pitching climate stories, sharpening narratives, using visuals effectively, and responsibly integrating artificial intelligence into reporting.
âIn a world of overlapping crises, the media plays a crucial role in shaping public understanding of whatâs possible. This training is our way of supporting journalists as they carry the responsibility of telling purposeful climate stories,â said Atty. Allan V. Barcena, AVP and Head of Corporate Support Functions at Energy Development Corporation and Executive Director of the Net Zero Carbon Alliance, in his opening remarks.
Speakers included Myrna Velasco of Manila Bulletin, who shared strategies for developing strong climate angles and story pitches; Qiyun Wu, creator of The Weird and Wild, who demonstrated how visuals like infographics and short-form videos can amplify impact; and journalist-technologist Jaemark Tordecilla, who discussed the promises and risks of AI in the newsroom, emphasizing editorial integrity.
Participants also joined interactive exercises such as the Pitch Jam, where they practiced drafting and refining story ideas with feedback from peers and trainers.
The event was organized by the Net Zero Carbon Alliance (NZCA), in partnership with the Corporate Decarbonization Exchange (CDx), as part of efforts to build media capacity for climate communication in the Philippines.
The NZCA, convened by the Energy Development Corporation, is the countryâs first private sector-led alliance supporting companies in their transition to net zero emissions through collaboration, capability building, and advocacy.