RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s accelerated sustainability drive under its Vision 2030 plan puts environmental journalism at a critical juncture. While coverage of science and environmental issues is expanding, experts say that oversimplification, lack of specialist training, and weak collaboration between journalists and scientists are holding back high-quality reporting.
Some Saudi media outlets are praised for scientific accuracy, but others often prioritize speed over substance, resulting in fragmented or sensationalized coverage. This inconsistency, experts say, limits public understanding of urgent environmental issues.
Academic and industry leaders in the Kingdom agree that tackling these shortcomings requires institutional investment, the establishment of specialized news units, and the adoption of advanced tools such as data analysis powered by artificial intelligence.
“One of the key challenges facing environmental journalists in Saudi Arabia is striking a precise balance between simplifying complex scientific information for a general audience and preserving its accuracy and scientific integrity,” said Talal Al-Shathry, an expert in environmental journalism.
He told Arab News that while some Saudi outlets have improved accuracy and objectivity through rigorous reporting, others continue to downplay or oversimplify key topics.
This trend, he added, often stems from a focus on speed and breaking news at the expense of deeper analysis.
To improve the quality and credibility of coverage, Al-Shathry emphasized the need for journalistic integrity. He said reporters must “avoid bias” by relying on credible, diverse sources, maintaining transparency throughout the reporting process, and disclosing potential conflicts of interest.
He also underscored the importance of specialized training in science and environmental journalism to help reporters handle the complexity of the topics. Without this training, he warned, journalists may unintentionally compromise the accuracy of the information they present.
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Despite current challenges, Al-Shathry, an assistant professor at King Saud University’s Journalism and Mass Communication Department, noted recent improvements. “Saudi media has taken encouraging steps toward increasing its focus on environmental issues,” he said.
However, he urged greater emphasis on in-depth analysis, accurate scientific communication, and public engagement around sustainability. These efforts, he said, should be backed by more investment in training and resources.
To that end, Al-Shathry proposed several initiatives to strengthen ties between academia and the media, including workshops, joint conferences, and digital platforms that help journalists connect with environmental experts.
He also called for major media organizations to establish dedicated investigative teams focused on environmental issues. These units, he said, could deliver in-depth reporting, expose violations, and hold accountable those responsible for environmental harm.
Members of the media and reporters gather in a press room prior to the start of the One Planet Summit on December 12, 2017 at La Seine Musicale venue on l'ile Seguin in Boulogne-Billancourt, west of Paris. (AFP)
Echoing these concerns, Mutlaq Al-Mutairi, supervisor of the Dr. Ibrahim Al-Muhanna chair for energy and specialized media, emphasized the role academic institutions must play in supporting this growing field.
According to him, university research chairs are designed to support specialized studies that align with national development goals, including environmental protection. “Environmental journalism is increasingly gaining prominence as a vital discipline, owing to its close connections with various sectors,” he told Arab News.
Still, Al-Mutairi acknowledged the gap between universities and the authorities meant to act on their findings. The issue, he said, is not a lack of research but a reluctance among institutions to engage in structured academic partnerships, with many opting to work with individual experts instead.
He cited several success stories that demonstrate the potential of stronger, institution-based collaboration and noted Saudi Arabia’s efforts to deepen international academic partnerships. But he cautioned that such collaborations must be effectively implemented to yield real-world benefits.
“Rather than allowing the media market to reshape academic training,” Al-Mutairi said, “educational institutions should shape the media landscape through their expertise and focus on specialization.”
Training in environmental reporting makes it possible for journalists to understand complex scientific information and report on these without losing meaning. (KAUST photo)
Building on this theme, Sattam Fahad Al-Mojil, associate professor of environmental engineering at King Saud University, pointed to the way scientific content is often framed as a major obstacle.
He told Arab News that technical or globalized language too often fails to connect with people’s everyday concerns — such as health, clean water, or food security — reducing both awareness and engagement.
“Covering environmental issues isn’t easy — and for many journalists, it’s a constant uphill battle,” Al-Mojil said. “The complexity of scientific information makes it difficult to communicate without losing meaning, and most reporters receive little to no training in environmental journalism.”
“The lack of reliable sources and limited access to data or experts compounds the issue. Weak institutional interest in environmental topics means fewer resources and minimal editorial support,” he added.
Despite these barriers, Al-Mojil believes journalists can still make a meaningful impact. By taking a constructive tone and offering solutions alongside problems, reporting can help turn public anxiety into awareness — and, eventually, action.
By taking a constructive tone and offering solutions alongside problems, reporting can help turn public anxiety into awareness an. (MEWA photo) action, says Sattam Fahad Al-Mojil, associate professor of environmental engineering at King Saud University,
He said that academics and experts are essential allies, helping to simplify complex concepts, interpret technical data and ensure accuracy. However, collaboration is limited due to institutional disconnects, different working styles and the pressures of the news cycle.
“Despite the importance of this collaboration, it remains limited due to weak institutional communication, differing approaches, and the time pressure journalists often face,” he said.
To bridge the gap, Al-Mojil proposed regular communication channels between media and academia. Joint initiatives — such as training sessions, workshops, and expert databases — could greatly improve the quality and impact of reporting.
DID YOU KNOW?
• Eco-journalism highlights climate change, conservation and sustainability to raise awareness and drive action.
• Environmental reporters face challenges in simplifying complex topics and engaging audiences.
• Eco-journalists use tools like interactive maps and multimedia to simplify complex issues and engage audiences.
Adding to the call for innovation, Farah Al-Gharib, founder and president of Precision & Choice Environmental Solutions, acknowledged recent progress but said current efforts remain inadequate in the face of climate change and other accelerating threats.
“Media coverage of environmental issues is often reactive rather than proactive,” she told Arab News. “This reality underscores the urgent need for greater investment in environmental journalism to keep pace with mounting challenges.”
Al-Gharib also highlighted the potential of technology to support sustainability. “Integrating smart systems is critical to advancing environmental sustainability,” she said. “By leveraging AI and modern technologies, we can classify facilities by environmental impact and use advanced data to support sustainable decision-making.”
Media coverage of environmental issues is often reactive rather than proactive, observes Farah Al-Gharib, founder and president of Precision & Choice Environmental Solutions. (MEWA photo)
Looking ahead, she said she expects environmental journalism in Saudi Arabia to become more specialized, data-driven and influential.
She described the field as a critical bridge between science and the public. “Its strength lies in transforming difficult concepts into clear, actionable information that empowers people to act,” Al-Gharib said.
Her company contributes to this mission by providing transparent data and maintaining open communication with journalists. “Effective communication between the media and the environmental sector is not a choice — it’s a necessity for building a greener tomorrow,” she said.
