ANKARA / ISTANBUL

Anadolu launched its GreenLens: Environmental and Climate Journalism Training initiative on Monday to equip media professionals and students with the skills needed for accurate and effective reporting of the climate crisis.

The project is coordinated by Anadolu with support from the European Union and Türkiye’s National Agency, in collaboration with Ankara University’s National Center for the Sea and Maritime Law, Station de Jeunesse from France, the POLIS Institute from North Macedonia, EDITURA ERUYSAL SRL from Romania, and the Turkish state Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).

Speaking at the event in the Turkish capital Ankara, Anadolu Academy Director Zeynep Bayramoglu Ozturk said they are ready to take the first step in the GreenLens project. She said they aim to explore the pressing issue of climate change in depth, together with participants from Türkiye, France, North Macedonia, and Romania.

"Rising temperatures, shrinking water resources, and increasingly frequent natural disasters around the world show us that this issue is now too urgent to neglect," Ozturk said.

She added: "That’s precisely why it’s more important than ever for journalists to communicate this global crisis to the public accurately, effectively, and based on scientific facts."

She stressed that the climate crisis should be seen not only as an environmental issue but also as a social, economic, and humanitarian one.

The project aims to equip participants with the skills to access accurate data, report ethically, and produce impactful content on digital platforms.

Ozturk noted that in addition to theoretical instruction, the program will offer hands-on training, creating a rich and comprehensive educational experience. She voiced her satisfaction at being part of the initiative.

She also told how in 2022, Anadolu launched its signature Green Line under its Environmental News Desk, the first of its kind in Türkiye, and thanked everyone who contributed to the project.

Ugur Tanyeli, the head of TIKA’s External Relations and Partnerships Department, also extended his thanks to the project partners and expressed his hopes for a successful and productive program.

Following opening speeches, the program continued with lessons on environment and climate change delivered by Hale Aydogmus, Anadolu's environmental news director.

The first phase of the training, which includes participants from several countries, will conclude on May 9. The educational programs will continue through the end of 2026.