Representation of Climate Change in Pakistani Social Media: A Content Analysis.

Pakistan, with agriculture contributing 18.9% to its economy, is significantly impacted by climate change. According to German Watch, Pakistan is the 7th most vulnerable country to climate change. This study examines how media shapes the discourse on environmental issues and the extent of coverage provided to these topics. A qualitative content analysis of three leading English newspapers was conducted, focusing on op-ed pages over a four-year period from 2021 to 2024. Despite media's role as a societal mirror, the content on these platforms is often dominated by media elites and powerful establishments. The findings reveal that while there is substantial coverage of climate change and related issues, different newspapers employ various frames such as global warming, pollution, melting glaciers, and rising sea levels. However, the overall low coverage of environmental issues results in a public that is less sensitive to these critical topics. This insufficient coverage has significant implications for both individuals and society at large. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]