The Bayero University Kano (BUK), in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), has trained journalists and media practitioners on the use of Earth Observation technologies to strengthen climate change, disaster risk reduction and environmental reporting.
The training, held on Monday in Kano, is part of a capacity-building project aimed at promoting evidence-based environmental journalism through satellite imagery, geospatial data and remote sensing technologies.
Speaking at the workshop, the Project Lead, Prof. Aliyu Barau, said the initiative would equip journalists with scientific tools for accurate and data-driven reporting on environmental issues.
He said climate-related challenges such as floods, drought, land degradation, deforestation and pollution were increasing, making reliable information crucial.
“Earth Observation technologies enable journalists to move beyond anecdotal reports by providing reliable scientific evidence for investigative and data-driven reporting,” Barau said.
According to him, the technology also supports fact-checking and visual storytelling while improving the credibility of environmental reports.
Also speaking, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development) of BUK, Prof. Amina Mustapha, described climate change as one of the greatest threats facing Northern Nigeria and the Sahel.
She urged journalists to focus more on local environmental issues, including the shrinking Lake Chad, desertification, food insecurity and climate-induced displacement.
“The stories that deserve greater attention include the shrinking Lake Chad, the progress of the Great Green Wall initiative, displacement, food insecurity and loss of livelihoods caused by climate change,” she said.
In her virtual remarks, ESA Research Coordinator and Future Earth Liaison, Freya Muir, said Earth Observation data generated through satellite missions provides valuable information for climate monitoring, disaster response and environmental management.
The workshop featured technical sessions on accessing Earth Observation data and the use of satellite imagery and geospatial platforms for investigative journalism and climate change communication.
