Journalism and Media Studies Centre, The University of Hong Kong 1 Environmental problems and the power of media Environmental Communication Miklos Sukosd Classes 2 and 3, September 13 and 20, 2012

Journalism and Media Studies Centre, The University of Hong Kong 2 Topics to discuss in class 1. The major environmental problems of the 21st century 2. Updates – are Brown’s forecasts right? (Environmental trends ) 3. The functions and power of media 4. How to analyze media coverage/representation of major environmental problems – analytical framework 5. Discussing final project 6. Selection of environmental documentaries for the semester

Journalism and Media Studies Centre, The University of Hong Kong 3 Major environmental problems in the 21st century 1. Population growth 2. Global warming 3. Sweet water shortage, falling water tables 4. Shrinking cropland per person: food crisis 5. Collapsing fisheries -- overfishing 6. Deforestation 7. Species extinction [ + Pollution/contamination: sea/water, soil, air] - Brown, Lester R Challenges of the New Century. In: State of the World 2000: A Worldwatch Institute Report. New York: W. W. Norton and Company, pp

Journalism and Media Studies Centre, The University of Hong Kong 4 The power of media 1 To provide information: news and facts To provide frames: interpretation (causes) and evaluation (good-bad) To set agendas: what is important? To effect change among audience/user: media effects on attitude, behavior To educate audience/users: new scientific findings, paradigms

Journalism and Media Studies Centre, The University of Hong Kong 5 The power of media 2 To represent issues problems, actors, groups, interest To mobilize (activists, supporters, donors) To entertain: movies, tv series, celebrities/gossip To provide forum for discussion among stakeholders To affect public opinion —politicians—policy making To change consumer attitudes and behavior