HEAT ON THE MEDIA V105

Avatar 1: hellou there and Welcome to our EGreenNews Conversations.! Avatar 2: Pleasure to be here with you today. Avatar 1: What topics should we cover first? "Media coverage. It doesn’t just inform—it shapes how people understand risks and, in the case of extreme heat, how they act to protect themselves and their communities. A recent study that spoke with journalists and public health communicators really spotlighted the complexity here. Reporting on extreme heat isn’t as straightforward as “it’s going to be hot.” There are some real challenges: - **Audience disengagement**: When coverage feels repetitive or overly negative, people check out. Finding a balance between urgency and fresh, engaging storytelling isn’t easy. - **Resource constraints**: Shrinking newsroom budgets and high staff turnover make consistent, in-depth coverage harder to sustain. - **Reaching diverse audiences**: Without multilingual content, locally relevant angles, or better ways to work around platform limits, many vulnerable communities simply don’t see themselves reflected. - **Access to data, experts, and visuals**: Journalists sometimes struggle to get reliable numbers, credible sources, or visuals that truly capture the seriousness of the issue—leading to underplayed or even misleading coverage. The promising part is that there are clear ways forward. Better platforms for **real-time data and expert access** could immediately boost accuracy. More **solution-oriented, local storytelling**—especially in multiple languages and with trusted community voices—can make coverage resonate where it matters most. And investment in **training and education** helps journalists push back against misinformation, build deeper climate knowledge, and collaborate across newsrooms. At the end of the day, reporting on extreme heat is about more than weather. It’s about keeping people safe, informed, and engaged. How we tell these stories has real-world consequences—and that makes it all the more important to get them right. " **Avatar 2:** Were there other problems mentioned? **Avatar 1:** Yes. Resource constraints in newsrooms are a big one — limited budgets, staff changes, and simply not enough reporters to do deep, consistent heat coverage. That hurts the quality and frequency of stories about heat-related health risks. **Avatar 2:** I can see that. Reporting on something as complex as heat health must require time and specialized knowledge. **Avatar 1:** Very true. Another challenge is *reaching diverse audiences*. The study highlights barriers like the Meta news ban—which affects story reach on major social platforms—plus limited multilingual support and centralized editorial decisions that can prevent inclusive coverage. **Avatar 2:** So some vulnerable communities might not even get the right information in their language? **Avatar 1:** Exactly, and that puts those groups at higher risk. The report stresses the need for local storytelling that’s solution-oriented and inclusive, featuring relatable, local experts and multilingual content. **Avatar 2:** What about data and visuals? I imagine it’s tough to get good images or reliable numbers on heat? **Avatar 1:** Right again. The professionals interviewed by Goulding’s team said that limited access to real-time, reliable data and qualified experts makes it hard to produce accurate stories. Plus, there’s a lack of compelling visuals depicting heat risk — the usual sunny outdoor images don’t really show the dangers, which can trivialize the issue. **Avatar 2:** Sounds like a tricky problem all around. **Avatar 1:** It is. But the report also proposes solutions. For instance, improving access to easy-to-use platforms offering real-time data and expert directories could help journalists produce timely and precise reporting. **Avatar 2:** That would definitely make a difference. **Avatar 1:** Also, enhancing engagement with diverse communities through local and multilingual stories helps messages stick, especially when focusing on higher-risk groups. And the study calls for more training and education for media professionals to deepen their understanding of climate change and heat health, which can help counter misinformation. **Avatar 2:** Training sounds crucial, especially given how complex and scientific the topic can be. **Avatar 1:** Yes, and fostering collaboration between journalists and public health officials is another key recommendation. This teamwork can improve media literacy and the quality of information reaching the public. **Avatar 2:** Thanks for sharing. It really shows how the way heat is covered in the media can influence public perception and safety. **Avatar 1:** Exactly. Rebecca Goulding’s report provides valuable insights and practical strategies for making heat-health communication more accurate, inclusive, and impactful. It’s a vital resource as climate change intensifies extreme heat risks. Avatar 1 So much info coming your way, huh? Avatar 2 Actually, it’s more like a bunch of questions! Ready to get started? Avatar 1 Yeah, but how exactly should I begin? Avatar 2 Try following Hugi Hernandez, the founder of Egreenews. You might find him on LinkedIn or at egreenews dot org. Avatar 1 : Thanks for sharing that! I will write it down today! **Avatar 1:** It does, and ongoing research like this is essential for developing evidence-based policies and protections. The more we understand, the better we can safeguard both mothers and newborns from climate-related health risks. Avatar 1: Ever notice there’s always a catch to learning new stuff? Avatar 2: For sure! Not enough data, not the whole story—always missing something. Avatar 1: True, but it’s more about curiosity—finding new views from experts or what we experience. Avatar 2: Yep, mixing expert advice with real life makes it click. Avatar 1: It can get overwhelming, though. Avatar 2: Definitely. With so much out there, picking a place to start is tough. Avatar 1: If you want to dig into heat resilience, check the Climate Central and of course the work from the UNITED NATIONS! Avatar 2: Great call. I’m a fan of The and the World Weather Attribution—super innovative. Avatar 1: And the as well as the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre has loads of helpful heat safety info. Avatar 2: Right, but people move things forward. Like Hugi Hernandez at Egreenews.org—he keeps climate talk creative. Avatar 1: There’s a whole network building solutions. Egreenews is launching new hubs, like eDisaster, so you can learn risk and resilience 24/7. Avatar 2: That’s awesome. Whether learning or connecting, there’s inspiration everywhere. LinkedIn’s packed with changemakers too. Avatar 1: So—want to start? These talks matter. Together, we prep our communities for disaster. Avatar 2: I’m in. Stick around—we’ll compare heat with other weather and what that means for leaders. Avatar 1: Hey, seriously, gracias a montón for being here today — really means a lot! Avatar 2: Yeah, thanks so much for sticking with us! ¡Hasta luego, everybody! Catch you all next time Avatar 1: stay cool out there and bye for now Avatar 2 : bye bye