Amazonia, a vast cultural and geographical area covering eight countries in South America, is a green lung containing an incomparable wealth of life and biodiversity. And in this territory, which also largely defines what Ecuador is, a silent but fierce battle is being fought. Climate change, that persistent shadow hanging over our planet, is leaving an indelible mark on this natural sanctuary.

The Ecuadorian Amazon is part of a unique ecosystem, a treasure trove of flora and fauna that is home to enormous biological diversity. But unfortunately, this paradise is threatened by global warming and its side effects. Higher temperatures and altered rainfall patterns are disrupting natural cycles and disrupting the delicate balance of the rainforest.

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One of the most visible effects of climate change in the Ecuadorian Amazon is deforestation. Illegal logging and the expansion of human activities such as agriculture and animal husbandry have led to the destruction of vast forest areas. This devastating process not only reduces the carbon storage capacity of the rainforest, but also destroys key habitats for countless species, many of which we haven’t even discovered yet.

This Thursday, June 15 and Friday, June 16, the second Amazon Summit on Journalism and Climate Change is taking place at the Amazon State University in the town of El Puyo, Pastaza province. In just two editions, this event has become one of the most important environmental press gatherings in the region.

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Although the above is an understatement. The reality is that the Summit goes beyond the field of environmental journalism and what is happening in El Puyo is that in time a space is opened for scientists specialized in climate change, leaders of Amazonian communities, environmentalists, journalists, entrepreneurs, authorities, the international community and collaborators to connect, knit networks, find common points of interest, plan joint actions, create papers and projects, investigations, reportages and other journalistic works.

Climate change is a complex phenomenon that requires a deep and precise understanding. This is where the work of journalists comes into play: translating scientific discoveries into a language that is accessible and meaningful to the general public. By telling stories that resonate emotionally, journalists can make people relate to an issue and feel like one. Empathy and understanding are powerful catalysts for change.

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This year’s Amazon Summit on Journalism and Climate Change presents an extensive agenda of activities with keynote speeches (in TED format), panels and debate tables, workshops and conferences. A committee of experts advised on the preparation of the agenda for the event and it was suggested that one of the central issues be the impact on the health of the ever-increasing processes of deterioration of the water basins, i.e. the rivers that are the arteries of the Amazon.

It is true that decreasing rainfall and changes in drought patterns are affecting the availability of water in the region. The rivers that meander through the Ecuadorian Amazon, sources of life and sustenance for ancient indigenous communities, are drying up. The lack of water threatens the survival of plants, animals and people and leads to conflicts over dwindling natural resources.

The Amazon Summit, organized by Fundamedios and with the support of numerous institutions, reminds us that journalism must not only inform, but also question and challenge the status quo and promote solutions. The journalist must go beyond the mere description of the problem and highlight innovative initiatives and inspiring projects that have a positive effect in the fight against climate change. By highlighting success stories and presenting sustainable alternatives, journalists can empower society and show that there is hope for a better future.

Cooperation between journalists from different disciplines and countries is also crucial in the fight against climate change. The challenges we face transcend borders and language barriers. Collaborative investigative journalism can conduct deeper and broader research, resulting in more complete and accurate reporting. Sharing resources, knowledge and perspectives can strengthen the voice of journalism and increase your ability to create real change.

All these and more are the lessons presented by the Amazon Journalism and Climate Change Summit, a great opportunity for all of us to actively engage in urgent mitigation and adaptation in the face of the undeniable effects of climate change. (OR)