Green newsroom - Journalism ethics and the mission of environmental protection propaganda

(PLVN) - Environmental protection is one of the three pillars of sustainable development, along with economic development and social security. In this process, the press in general and Vietnam Law Newspaper in particular play an irreplaceable role in propagating policies, identifying issues, orienting public opinion and promoting changes in social behavior. Environmental communication is not only a responsibility but also a humane and sustainable mission for the future of the country.

Press accompanies the cause of environmental protection

Environmental protection is now a strategic task, requiring the active participation of the whole society and all of humanity. To effectively carry out this task, communication activities, especially the press, play a central role in raising public awareness and promoting practical actions for the environment.

From Resolution No. 41/NQ-TW dated November 15, 2004 on environmental protection during the period of accelerating industrialization and modernization of the country, it was determined that: Promoting propaganda andeducation to raise awareness and responsibility for environmental protection is the leading solution. In which, diversifying forms of propaganda, disseminating policies, laws and information on the environment to the community; at the same time strictly condemning acts of violating the law on environmental protection... strengthening environmental ethics education for all classes of people. This was once again affirmed in Resolution No. 24-NQ/TW of the 7th Central Conference, Session XI on proactively responding to climate change, strengthening resource management and environmental protection; Resolution No. 35/NQ-CP of the Government on a number of urgent issues in the field of environmental protection...

In recent decades, the environmental field has always been a prominent topic in the media. Many events, from natural disasters, climate change, to newly issued policies and laws, have attracted great attention from the press and the public. Notably, Vietnam is one of the countries heavily affected by climate change, many provinces and cities have been facing saltwater intrusion; air pollution is getting worse in industrial zones and large cities; weather and natural disasters are becoming more extreme and unpredictable; therefore, the press cannot stand aside.

Spreading the spirit of green living from a legal and journalistic perspective

Vietnam Law Newspaper has a separate column on its electronic publication, and continuously follows important domestic and international environmental events to promptly report and reflect to the public. A series of topics, news, and articles have been strongly deployed in publications about events such as Earth Hour, World Environment Day, World Oceans Day, etc.

Over the years, Vietnam Law Newspaper has also continuously followed and faithfully reflected global environmental events. From the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP), the Conference of Parties on Biodiversity and Oceans, to thematic forums on energy and sustainable development, the newspaper has clearly demonstrated its role as a key press agency in transmitting updated, authentic information to readers. International trends such as clean energy transition, greenhouse gas reduction, moving towards the goal of net zero emissions by mid-century, or the United Nations Decade of Ecosystem Restoration (2021 - 2030) are all closely followed and reported by Vietnam Law Newspaper in a multi-dimensional manner.

In addition, the newspaper also closely follows Vietnam's international treaties and commitments such as the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, the Glasgow Declaration on Forests and Land Use, or Vietnam's participation in the Just Energy Transition Alliance (JETP). The newspaper's in-depth analysis and commentary have contributed to clarifying Vietnam's role and responsibility in the international community, while raising people's awareness of global issues related to the country's sustainable development interests.

Climate journalism plays a vital role in the effort to tackle climate change – one of the biggest crises of this century. (Photo: NOAA)

It can be seen that the Vietnam Law Newspaper is gradually shaping a clear direction in the field of climate journalism - a trend associated with scientific data and high authenticity. News and reports on the environment are increasingly relying on data from reliable sources such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and domestic statistical agencies. For example, when reporting on indicators such as global average temperature, rising sea levels or CO2 concentration in the atmosphere, the newspaper's reporters not only provide simple numbers but also focus on concise, easy-to-understand explanations that are close to the general readership. Thereby, the information is not only scientifically accurate but also highly warning and educational, helping the public to be more aware of the severity and urgency of the current climate crisis.

A notable point is that the Vietnam Law Newspaper has clearly demonstrated its role as a bridge between policy and practice, when continuously conveying environmental policies and legal regulations to people in a timely, easy-to-understand and practical manner. In recent years, Vietnam has issued a series of important legal documents on the environment, such as the Law on Environmental Protection 2020; Law on Marine and Island Resources and Environment 2015; Law on Irrigation 2017; Law on Water Resources 2023; Law on Hydrometeorology 2015; Law on Environmental Protection Tax 2020; Law on Economical and Efficient Use of Energy No. 2010; Law on Biodiversity 2008; Law on Dykes; Law on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control; etc.; along with many decrees and circulars detailing and guiding the implementation of environmental laws. Thanks to that, Vietnam has basically established a strict and complete legal system, which serves as a solid legal basis for implementing environmental protection policies, monitoring and handling violations. This system not only helps management agencies have a clear basis for management but also creates conditions for businesses and people to understand and properly exercise their rights and obligations in environmental protection.

Not only reflecting, Vietnam Law Newspaper also plays a role in popularizing the law in a lively and familiar way. Dry legal contents are reproduced clearly and easily accessible, helping people not only understand their rights and responsibilities but also improve their monitoring and criticism capacity at the grassroots level. In addition, the Newspaper also plays a role in social criticism, praising collectives and individuals with initiatives and practical actions in environmental protection; disseminating scientific research results, climate change scenarios and adaptation solutions, promoting circular economy and sustainable development...

Journalistic ethics in green newsroom

In the context of the global environment being increasingly under heavy pressure from climate change, rapid urbanization and unsustainable resource exploitation, the role of the press in general, and the Vietnam Law Newspaper in particular, has become increasingly essential. In practice, despite facing many challenges such as lack of specialized funding for the environment, commercial pressure and professional limitations, the team of journalists and reporters still strive to stay close to reality, overcome difficulties to bring the public in-depth information, accurately reflect the current situation and guide positive actions. Accordingly, journalistic ethics emphasize honesty and objectivity, which is a solid foundation for building public trust.

Not only stopping at content, the trend of green journalism is also spreading to the operating process. From reducing paper usage, promoting digital transformation, organizing online press conferences to prioritizing the use of energy-saving servers, environmental newsrooms such as Vietnam Law Newspaper are gradually practicing “practice and words”, demonstrating social responsibility, while contributing to building the image of a modern, sustainable and trustworthy press.

The green newsroom is not only an internal “green” operating model, but also a symbol of the spirit of responsible journalism, putting the mission of environmental protection first. When linking journalistic ethics with the mission of environmental protection propaganda, the press not only conveys information but also promotes action, monitors law enforcement and creates a green living movement in the community. In the face of challenges such as climate change, diverse pollution, and overexploitation of resources, the green newsroom is a solid bridge, connecting policies - experts - businesses - people, towards the goal of sustainable development and a green future for Vietnam and the world.

In 2024, Vietnam Law Newspaper was honored to receive the B Prize of the 7th Natural Resources and Environment Journalism Award with the series of articles "Carbon Credits - Steps towards the Future". The series of works attempted to comprehensively portray the picture of carbon credits - a strategic tool in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting green economy and moving towards sustainable development in Vietnam.

Do Trang

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/toa-soan-xanh-dao-duc-bao-chi-va-su-menh-tuyen-truyen-bao-ve-moi-truong-post552441.html