Telling the energy story through a more inclusive lens

In terms of sheer quantity, journalists have been increasing their reporting on renewable energy over the past two years, particularly chasing solar development stories across the country, according to a recent report by climate journalism support network Climate Tracker. But more than 70 percent of energy stories in that period appeared in the economy or business sections, the study found, and only nine out of 268 articles quoted community voices. Journalists continue to prioritize official sources and viewpoints, and many seem to see the media primarily as a platform for business feedback on government plans.

Vietnamese journalists need to tell the human story of cleaner energy, not just the business one

Energy production may be rooted in technology and driven by economics, but it is first and foremost a human story that affects every reader’s life in countless ways. Whether a country pursues polluting or clean energy projects determines the living environment for thousands of people around project sites. Large polluting power plants can displace an entire community leaving them without the means to rebuild their lives elsewhere. Furthermore, energy access is a key social justice issue in developing countries such as Viet Nam, where many off-grid communities in mountainous areas have higher percentages of ethnic minorities who are already disadvantaged in various ways.

The energy question is particularly topical as the country is to embark on its eighth Power Development Plan in 2021. Engaging more with stakeholders in the field can give journalists more diverse perspectives, and more opportunities to interact with those most affected by energy policies.