In Pakistan, the journalism landscape grapples with a glaring gap in climate reporting, where reactive coverage dominates and proactive storytelling remains a rarity. A handful of seasoned reporters courageously spearhead efforts to unearth climate narratives, but their impact is stifled by systemic barriers. The primary culprit? A dire lack of accessible climate data, compounded by local media’s reluctance to invest in dedicated climate reporters. This inertia leaves critical environmental stories untold, dimming the spotlight on a crisis that demands urgent attention. The absence of robust data and specialized roles hinders the ability to craft compelling, forward-thinking reports that could galvanize public and policy action.

Recognizing this stagnation, a group of passionate citizens ignited a transformative movement to bridge the gap in climate-responsive expertise across sectors. Their brainchild, Climate Action Skills, a dynamic nonprofit startup, is empowering professionals through meticulously designed, affordable online training programs. With nominal fees capped at 1000, these courses equip participants to thrive in a climate-challenged world. Their flagship offerings—a 10-Week Diploma in Climate Activism and a 12-Week Diploma in Climate Journalism, concluding on August 2, 2025—have already made waves. The activism course graduated 42 vibrant young leaders under 30, while the journalism program empowered 42 working journalists from every corner of Pakistan, arming them with the tools to reshape the narrative.

The Climate Journalism Diploma’s impact is vividly illustrated by the performance of its 42 participants, whose dedication and growth paint a promising picture. Ten high performers, representing 23.8% of the cohort, achieved an impressive average score of 771.8 out of 950, equivalent to 81.2%. Standouts like Maheen Khan, Nafees Khanzada, Nasir Raza and Shabana Meer demonstrated remarkable consistency, with near-perfect participation rates of 98.7% and an average final test score of 191.2 out of 200. Their quiz scores surged from 37.8 in the first five quizzes to 43.3 in the final three, reflecting a powerful learning curve. Meanwhile, 15 moderate performers, including Inzimam Ul Haq and Hiba Nawaz, secured a solid average of 686.4 (72.3%), with 92.7% participation and a commendable final test average of 181.5. Even the 17 low performers, averaging 456.8 (48.1%), showed glimpses of potential, though their 65.9% participation rate highlights the need for greater engagement.

Trends in the course reveal a narrative of growth and resilience. Seven participants, including high achievers like Maheen Khan and Rafiullah Mandokhel, exhibited consistent improvement, with Khan’s quiz scores soaring from 32 to 48. These improvers, predominantly high performers, maintained stable high scores in later quizzes, showcasing their commitment. Conversely, four participants, such as Zainuddin and Muhammad Karim Ahmed, experienced minor declines due to isolated low scores, but none showed a consistent downward trend. Participation patterns further underscore the link between engagement and success: all high performers, including Nasir Raza and Sajjadul Hassan, participated fully, while seven low performers, like Muhammad Noman and Jawad Ali, struggled with minimal engagement, averaging 4.3 zeros in quizzes. Notably, strong final test scores of 190 or above, achieved by luminaries like Maheen Khan and Saud Abdul Malik, highlight the course’s ability to foster excellence when attendance—averaging 92.1 for high performers—remains robust.

The journey of these journalists signals a turning point for Pakistan’s climate narrative. High performers set a blazing standard with unwavering consistency, while moderate performers showed solid potential despite occasional gaps. Low performers, though challenged by inconsistent engagement, offer opportunities for targeted support to unlock their potential. The data is clear: attendance and participation are the twin engines driving success. By addressing early inconsistencies and fostering sustained engagement, Climate Action Skills is poised to cultivate a new generation of climate journalists who can amplify Pakistan’s voice in the global fight against climate change.

Eight industry titans, including Shabina Faraz, a trailblazing senior climate journalist, Uzma Aleem, a distinguished Journalism Lecturer at Sydney University Australia, Dr. Parvaiz Naim, a visionary Development Consultant, Hamid Sarfraz, a sharp Public Policy Expert, Afia Salam, a dynamic Climate Communication Expert, Asad Mahmood, a pioneering Renewable Energy and Climate Change Expert, Shahid Lutfi, a seasoned Environmental Consultant, and Uneeba Waqar, a formidable Senior Broadcast Journalist, ignited inspiration by delivering riveting lectures in their areas of expertise to aspiring climate journalists. Participants were challenged with a transformative assignment in climate news writing and a gripping simulation exercise on climate crisis communication, sending shockwaves through Pakistan’s journalism landscape, where the outdated notion that climate journalism is unnecessary still lingers, now boldly disrupted by this surge of innovative training.

The time to act is now—Climate Action Skills needs your support to sustain this transformative momentum! Give this post a thunderous shout-out on social media to spread the word about their groundbreaking work. Better yet, join the movement by enrolling in their second 10-Week Diploma in Climate Activism, with admissions open until August 31, 2025. Classes will run every Saturday from September 6 to November 15, 2025, offering you a chance to become a catalyst for change. Together, let’s empower a climate-conscious future and elevate Pakistan’s role in tackling the world’s most pressing challenge.