THE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN COMMUNICATINGENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE: A REVIEW OF TWO SOCIALMEDIA PLATFORMS IN SOUTH AFRICA AND KENYA.

Abstract

Recent environmental disasters happening all around the world, particularly in Africa, have given rise to the need for ways to protect and preserve the environment. However, one of the ways to achieve this is via accurate dissemination of information regarding climate change to the citizens as information is crucial to action. This study examines the trends in the dissemination of information to the public regarding climate change and environmental preservation. Through a
critical evaluation of the exchange and dissemination of information, via social media, between the government and the public on two official Twitter handles of environmental agencies in South Africa and Kenya, the paper examines the extent of awareness created by the agencies in respect of climate change and environmental issues. Approaching environmentalism from a communication point of view, the paper argues that much of the efforts/interventions towards
addressing climate change will be more effective if the public are duly informed and involved. It intends to do this by establishing the current state of climate change knowledge/awareness in the selected countries, thereby contributing to knowledge on approaches to better environmental preservation/conservation. Thus, in order to ensure participation and achieve sustainable environmental governance in Africa, there is need for adequate and consistent education/awareness on the part of the citizenry