Network of Climate Journalists of Greater Horn of Africa (#NECJOGHA)

Cost of climate inaction is higher than cost of climate action. #Heatwaves, floods, droughts, wildfires, and rapidly intensifying tropical cyclones caused misery and mayhem, upending everyday life for millions and inflicting many billions of dollars in economic losses.

Applications Now Open for the Inaugural News Creator Award for Excellence in Independent Video Journalism. The landscape of independent journalism is set to receive a significant boost with the announcement of the inaugural News Creator Award for Excellence in Independent Video Journalism. Applications are now open for this prestigious award, which seeks to honor independent journalists from around the globe who produce high-quality, reliable news content. Supported by YouTube, the award aims to highlight and celebrate the dedication and skill of those working outside mainstream media organizations. According to the International Centre of Journalism (ICFJ), the News Creator Award promises to provide a platform for independent journalists to gain recognition for their outstanding work. By shining a spotlight on excellence in video journalism, the award hopes to inspire others in the field to strive for the highest standards of reporting. ICFJ also notes that YouTube's backing of the award underscores the importance of independent voices in today's media landscape and reaffirms the platform's commitment to supporting diverse and credible news sources. Applications for the News Creator Award are now open, and journalists from around the world are encouraged to apply. This initiative represents a significant opportunity for independent journalists to showcase their talent and contribute to the broader discourse on the importance of trustworthy news in society. For more information and to apply, visit [the official announcement link: https://buff.ly/4gQtw64

Karamoja, Uganda – A devastating fire tore through Lokwamoru village in Lorengedwat Subcounty, Nabilatuk district this afternoon, marking the fourth such incident in the #Karamoja region in recent weeks. This latest tragedy compounds the challenges faced by communities already grappling with food insecurity and the harsh realities of a changing climate. The blaze, which erupted earlier today, caused significant damage to homes, household items, and vital food supplies. Fortunately, due to the swift response of residents and local authorities, no casualties have been reported. This incident follows a series of similar fires in Nadunget (Moroto district), Lopei (Napak district), and another earlier incident in Lorengedwat (Nabilatuk district). The recurring nature of these fires has raised concerns about fire safety and disaster preparedness in the region. Karamoja, a semi-arid region in northeastern Uganda, experiences frequent climate shocks, including high temperatures, droughts, and floods. These events exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, leading to widespread food insecurity. The region receives low and unreliable rainfall, leaving communities dependent on humanitarian food aid. The destruction of homes and food supplies by these fires further threatens the livelihoods of already vulnerable families. According to Uganda Red Cross Society ; Authorities are yet to determine the cause of the Lokwamoru fire. A joint rapid needs assessment will be conducted shortly by the Uganda Red Cross Society and the District Disaster Management Committee to evaluate the extent of the damage and provide necessary assistance to the affected families. #Karamoja #KaramojaCluster #KaramojaRegion #Uganda #ClimateChange #HighTemperature

The Network of Climate Journalists of the Greater Horn of Africa extends our warmest wishes for a happy and prosperous 2025. May the coming year bring you joy, good health, and fulfillment in all your endeavors. We hope it is filled with moments of pure delight and wonder, and that you are surrounded by the love and support of family and friends. Thank you for your continued interest in our work and for your commitment to addressing the urgent challenges of climate change in our region. We look forward to continuing our collaboration in the year ahead. With hope and optimism for the future, The Network of Climate Journalists of the Greater Horn of Africa

 With just a smartphone, journalists can report from even the most remote areas, ensuring vital climate information and advocacy campaigns reach those who need it most.

Across Eastern Africa, countries like Uganda are implementing #AnticipatoryAction to build resilience to climate change. The recent Regional Technical Working Group on Anticipatory Action in Kenya brought together key players to strengthen these efforts. #EasternAfrica #Resilience #Kenya #Uganda #UKaidWISER ICPAC #ClimateServices ICPAC Anticipatory Action by Welthungerhilfe (WHH) Anticipation Hub

In a world facing rapid climate change, access to timely and accurate information is crucial, especially in vulnerable regions like Eastern Africa. Mobile journalism (MoJo) is emerging as a powerful tool to bridge the information gap and empower communities to adapt and respond effectively and enable anticipatory reporting, dissemination and communication of #climateservices #AnticpatoyAction #MobileJournalism #ClimateReporting #EasternAfrica #ClimateChange #CitizenJournalism #CommunityEngagement #RealTimeInformation #MultimediaStorytelling #NECJOGHA

Across Eastern Africa, countries like Uganda are implementing #AnticipatoryAction to build resilience to climate change. The recent Regional Technical Working Group on Anticipatory Action in Kenya brought together key players to strengthen these efforts. #EasternAfrica #Resilience #Kenya #Uganda #UKaidWISER ICPAC #ClimateServices ICPAC Anticipatory Action by Welthungerhilfe (WHH) Anticipation Hub

At the heart of Uganda's Anticipatory Action (AA) initiative is the Department of Meteorology (DoM). Abubakar Kalema, Principal Meteorologist at the DoM, emphasized the department's crucial role in providing accurate and timely weather forecasts. "By generating early warnings, from six-hourly forecasts to seasonal outlooks, we empower communities to take action and mitigate the impact of climate change," Kalema stated in a recent interview. #AnticipatoryAction Anticipatory Action by Welthungerhilfe (WHH) Anticipation Hub ICPAC

🌀🌀Tropical Cyclone Chido, though now weakened, has left a devastating impact on communities in Southern Africa, particularly in Mozambique and Malawi. The storm, which made landfall in #Mozambique on December 15th, brought with it destructive winds and heavy rainfall, causing widespread damage and leaving millions at risk. Mozambique In northern Mozambique, the #cyclone has caused significant damage to infrastructure, impacting over 2 million people. Homes have been destroyed, roads rendered impassable, and communication lines cut off. The Red Cross in Mozambique is working tirelessly to provide emergency relief, including shelter, food, and medical assistance to those affected. The situation remains critical, with many communities still cut off and in urgent need of support. Malawi #Malawi has also suffered significantly from the impact of Cyclone Chido. Unprecedented strong winds have ravaged 16 districts, affecting an estimated 8,100 people. Tragically, two lives have been lost and thousands have been displaced, with homes and livelihoods destroyed. The Malawi Red Cross on the ground conducting rapid assessments and providing essential aid to those in need. Regional and International Response: The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (United Nations OCHA for Southern and Eastern Africa has reported that governments and humanitarian partners are actively conducting assessments in the affected areas of both Mozambique and Malawi. The UN and its partners are supporting government efforts in preparedness and assessments, and are mobilizing resources to provide necessary aid. The Need for Support The impact of #CycloneChido is severe, and the needs of affected communities are immense. Access to clean water, food, shelter, and medical care are urgent priorities. As recovery efforts begin, the need for sustained support will be crucial to help communities rebuild their lives and livelihoods. How You Can Help Donations to organizations like the Red Cross in Mozambique and Malawi can provide critical assistance to those affected. Sharing information about the crisis on social media can also help raise awareness and encourage further support. Every contribution, big or small, can make a difference in helping communities recover from this devastating disaster. #TropicalCycloneChido #TropicalCyclone #Chido