Global Climate Journalism Insights (5th Edition): Africa

Africa is on the frontlines of the climate crisis.

Increasingly, parts of the continent endure severe droughts, floods, and escalating temperatures that threaten livelihoods and economies. The United Nations Environment Programme’s 2024Emissions Gap Report warns of a potential global temperature rise between 2.6°C and 3.1°C this century, a scenario with particularly dire consequences for African nations. Despite contributing minimally to global emissions, African countries bear a disproportionate burden of their impacts, with climate change costing up to 5% of their GDP. In this critical moment, climate journalism plays a transformative role: not just in informing the public but in embedding climate consciousness into cultural narratives.

ClimateXchange (cXc) believes climate is culture. We are dedicated to driving change in the media ecosystem so that everyone has access to equitable, trustworthy and accurate climate information. The cXc mission is to collectively create a difference by making climate content a cultural currency that people relate to, find valuable and want to engage with. Over time they will find benefits in this content both for themselves and humanity’s journey towards more sustainable living.

This report, compiled following a working session in Nairobi, Kenya in February 2025, compiles an updated list of challenges facing journalists working to bring climate to the attention of audiences in Africa.