risk beat because the elevation of reporting on these issues ties the conglomerates to environmental degradation. The state of climate change journalism and communication in Southern Africa With their considerable resources, corporates can exert pressure on the media to prevent them from reporting effectively. An International Press Institute (IPI) report describes the risks that environmental journalists inherently face as a result of the stories they cover and examines how corporate pressure, public sector corruption and lack of the rule of law create a hostile environment for environmental journalists. Southern Africa faces a range of challenges related to climate change, which impact various aspects of society, economy, and the environment. Some of the key challenges include water scarcity, droughts, loss of biodiversity and other agricultural concerns. “Journalists who cover climate and environmental stories are targeted by powerful private and state actors, who are willing to go to great lengths to protect their lucrative interests linked to environmentally harmful activities”, the report states. (1) These challenges have contributed to several social vulnerabilities, migration, and displacement. The Centre for Environmental Rights reports that Southern Africa is particularly vulnerable to climate change because of its geographical location and current socioeconomic status. (2) Climate journalism is thus rapidly emerging as one of the riskiest professions and a major concern for safety of journalists and activists, hence the need for strong democratic institutions that support accountability, participation, and the rule of law. STATE OF PRESS FREEDOM IN SOUTHERN AFRICA 2023 The Southern African interior has warmed at a rate roughly twice as fast as the world average over the past few decades. 8