Today’s world is a weird one. Ten-year-old kids know more about Olivia Rodrigo and her personal life than the spelling of the word “environment”. I know, I know, I sound like a boomer complaining about “today’s kids” but the fact is that environmental awareness is not getting nearly enough attention from mass media.

The United Nations recently issued a report that warned of a ‘Code Red’ situation and UN scientists cautioned that global warming is going to worsen causing further damage than the present heatwaves, droughts, floods, and storms.

Global warming is already causing disastrous damages You might have a basic idea of what the climate report entails but I am certain your  knowledge on skincare tips and techniques might be a lot more advanced in comparison.

Under the pretext of “News” several mass media outlets publish clickbait-y titles and images particularly focused on conspiracy theories, celebrity gossip, popularity polls, etc. In fact, in Australia alone, the Tabloid Industry is estimated to be worth 2.24 billion Australian Dollars. While there is nothing wrong with entertainment websites or tabloids posting such content, this largely takes the focus away from important news. There is no harm in knowing about Selena Gomez’s future projects but, at the same time, you should surely also be made aware of the hole in the ozone layer.

Anything related to environmental awareness is only published or reported on if it is trending or “having a moment”. Instead of discussing or mentioning the closest recycling centres near you, mature adults debate about Greta Thunberg’s Twitter exchange with a former President on national television. I am not saying that this isn’t fun to read about; I’m simply saying that in the long run, this isn’t nearly as important.

The choices that mass media makes stems from its audience and readers. While each person has the right to choose what to read and spend time on, I think, when it comes to the existence of our world, our planet, publicizing and promoting articles that favour protecting it should not be too much to ask for!

With every media outlet utilizing social media platforms to increase engagement and promote their channels or websites, it is unfortunate that it is so rare to find or receive updates on our raging environmental issues.

News headlines today! If an article on a celebrity reel challenge is posted, you are almost immediately notified with a clickbait title begging you to read it. Headlines today have become so wild and fanatical; they have turned into the ones that Robin Scherbatsky from How I Met Your Mother did ironically on Metro News 1-

“Coming up next- Is your baby trying to kill you?”

“Is your favorite brand of dental floss poisoning your entire family? Tune in at 11 for the shocking tooth”

One of the many other reasons why the environment is not covered by the mass media as much as it should be is that people have become used to hearing these statistics and predictions. It has become “old news” and “boring” and even “fake” thanks to some climate change deniers and conspiracy theorists. Because as the old saying goes- Ignorance is bliss.

With actual news channels and newspapers going out of business, consumers turn to social media for their news. Except social media is designed to show you news stories that you may want to read, regardless of whether it is important or not. This perpetuates the ignorance surrounding environmental causes and takes any or all attention away from these issues!

Mass media has not been doing enough for environmental awareness, and this has a big impact on the general view surrounding climate change and conserving the environment. Media outlets need to start taking responsibility by educating and informing their viewers/readers about these very real concerns.

Mass media can do a lot to raise awareness for environmental causes “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead