Coverage of conference of parties (cop28) in Nepali daily newspapers

Abstract

This study examines the coverage of COP28 by three prominent Nepali dailies—The Kathmandu Post, The Himalayan Times, and The Rising Nepal—to understand how international climate conferences are framed and reported in Nepal ‘s media landscape. COP28, held from November 30 to December 12, 2023, in Dubai, was a pivotal event for global climate discussions. The content analysis spans a 30-day period, from November 19 to December 18, 2023, covering 30 issues of the newspapers. The analysis assesses the extent of coverage, thematic framing of key issues such as climate finance, loss and damage, and Nepal's climate vulnerabilities.

The findings reveal significant variation in the coverage across newspapers, with gaps in consistency and depth of analysis. The study highlights the media's crucial role in shaping public perceptions of climate issues, emphasizing the need for more robust and in-depth reporting on international climate events to foster greater awareness and informed public debate. The framing of COP28 within the context of climate justice and Nepal ‘s minimal contribution to global emissions positions the country as a proactive participant in global climate discussions. The study underscores the importance of enhancing media engagement to support national and international climate policies that address the unique challenges faced by vulnerable countries like Nepal.