How many fake news about the environment, climate effects, natural disasters? An impressive number, difficult to quantify, when anyone familiar with social media considers himself capable of writing and posting news and comments on such vast topics. Quality information is therefore necessary not only so as not to broadcast false messages, but to help readers distinguish good news from bad news.
Information faces a new responsibility that must find in the specific professional training of journalists, the main reason for being able to tell the environment, the green economy, energy sources. You cannot invent news, falsify data, express opinions without checking the sources (a rule that should apply to any type of information) ascertain their truthfulness and display them for the benefit of the reader. Everyone is capable of telling lies as sometimes happens at the bar. One cannot be superficial on issues that affect health and social peace. Using the tools of communication sin becomes guilty of unjustified alarms. AND'the time has come to reflect and discuss even within the category of journalists
The first festival of environmental journalism will take place in Rome in the Maxxi Auditorium from 6 to 8 March. It is organized by the Ministry of the Environment, Ispra, Enea and Fima (Italian Federation of Environmental Media) with the participation, on the opening day, of the Minister of the Environment Sergio Costa. A festival to give voice and visibility to specific journalism, in the light of growing attention to the planet's climatic situation. Three days with debates on investigations, fake news, new media, climate-related challenges, pollution, waste, innovation. Costa will talk about the government's green new deal to which he belongs. An ambitious plan which on the one hand is being followed with interest by the Italian media, on the other hand still needs a lot of application on many points. “ To open the door to the green definitively – said the minister – you have to enter the homes of citizens. What better vehicle than that of the mass media? Today the information that journalists provide is essential to obtain the result and publishers have the task of investing in them, for a common path towards sustainability." On the other hand, the Italian Federation of Environmental Media has been waging a battle inside and outside the category of journalists for years to affirm professional competence and rigor. A cultural process that goes on with difficulty, however, between new media, crisis of printed paper, editorial concentrations and underpaid work. Three days of discussion will not be enough to change the approach and ways of working in the editorial offices and in the field. They will certainly mark a good start.
