Climate change in the 21st Century: How can journalists provide factual reporting on ideas that are not based on facts.

Opinion

By Cindy Arboleda*

Despite the overwhelming scientific evidence presented by scientists throughout the last few decades, there are still people who believe climate change is a farce. Like how some of these people even go as far to say that the world is, in fact, not round. They believe in outdated, disproven theories dating back to the1400s that the world is flat. As journalists, are we supposed to provide coverage to these flat earthers AKA climate change deniers, even though there is more than enough facts to know that they are in the wrong?

As journalists it’s our job to inform the public. Included in our job description there is researching, fact checking, interviewing sources and presenting accurate information to our audience. Based on this, is it fair to report and spread information about ideals that are inaccurate, such as firm believers that climate change is a hoax?

If as journalists we cover climate change as a topic that is “up for interpretation” we are giving the public the illusion that there can be a choice whether or not climate change is real. But when faced with the evidence how can there be a choice of belief on something that is factual? This is why some people ask not to give climate change deniers any platform to spread their views.

But there are others who think that it is only fair to give people on both sides of the spectrum equal coverage on the topic.

As a nation that is formed in the ideals of democracy, we are accustomed to hearing that everyone has a right to have an opinion. Yes, but should we still support and spread the information on this opinion if it’s wrong?

It’s time that as journalists we take part on informing our audience with hard facts based on scientific research, so people don’t think that just because it is snowing in late March climate change is a hoax.

Empirical evidence should not be treated as public opinion, up for interpretation where people are allowed to choose what side they are on. Climate change should be covered as a matter-of-fact issue, because it is.

*Cindy studies the Master’s in Spanish-Language Journalism at FIU.