CLIMATE CHANGE COVERAGE IN LEADING ENGLISH PRESS OF PAKISTAN DURING 2024: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

This research examined climate change coverage by Dawn and The News International, two leading English-language newspapers of Pakistan, during 2024 through qualitative content analysis. The study focused on thematic categorization, editorial tone, and narrative (qualitative) framing of climate-related 150 news stories, reports and articles. The findings discovered that Dawn prioritized policy discussions, scientific advances and the institutional responses whereas The News International focused on socio-economic impacts, grassroot activism, and the environmental justice. The analysis identified five main themes including climate diplomacy and policy, extreme weather conditions, technology-driven solutions, socio-economic impacts, and environmental challenges in the selected press coverage. The analysis of the editorial tone highlighted that Dawn upheld a policy driven and neutral stance, while The News International espoused an advocacy-focused and critical approach. Philologically, the analysis also highlighted differences in expert engagement and persuasive strategies. The study concluded that both leading English newspapers of Pakistan demonstrated complementary roles in determining climate discourse in the country, stressing upon the need for diverse media narratives in climate journalism.