Media Portrayal of Climate Change and Renewal Energy in Nepal

The climate scenarios in the coming years suggest climate in Nepal will be significantly warmer and wetter. A qualitative study was conducted among media and environment professionals and policy makers in Nepal with an aim to understand the discourses of climate change impacts reported in the media. The study used qualitative research design and adopted key informant interviews and focus group discussion at major cities of Nepal – Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, and Biratnagar. For contextual understanding, journal articles, media articles, research reports, policies, guidelines were reviewed. The study findings highlight there are design and innovation limitations in most media and communications projects. There is lack of proper distinction on journalistic take of climate change as incidental event or structural development. The study calls for capacity-building programs for journalists, effective media guidelines for reporting on climate change, and improved implementation strategies to enhance media's role in climate discourse.