Background
In an era of mis- and disinformation, the media have never been so crucial in connecting the public with life-saving information and equipping the most vulnerable populations with knowledge on risk reduction and disaster preparedness. They are a key actor in the early warning chain to deliver timely, accurate and actionable early warning messages to wide audiences before, during and immediately after disasters. But they also play an important role in times of peace to inspire, educate, show solutions and generate the action needed to reduce disaster risk.
Course structure
Please join the course by clicking the red “Join” button on the top left corner of this page. Once enrolled, you can progress through this self-paced training, which consists of 10 interactive modules + a game designed to help you build a strong foundation in covering disasters through a fresh and inclusive lens.
Each module includes quizzes and reflection activities to reinforce your learning. Along the way, you’ll also play the Stop Disasters game, an immersive game that shows how planning and policy decisions can shape disaster risk and resilience.
The course is open to everyone and can be started at any time. Scroll down to begin your journey today!
Learning objectives
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Understand what drives disaster risk and why disasters affect people differently.
- Use accurate and responsible language when reporting on disasters.
- Recognize how climate change and environmental degradation increase disaster risk.
- Identify who is most at risk and the factors that shape vulnerability.
- Communicate clear, timely, and actionable early warning information.
- Report on disasters through diverse and inclusive lenses, exploring root causes, systemic issues, and solutions that help communities build resilience.
Reflect and apply your learning
In this course, learning goes beyond watching modules, it’s about applying insights to your own context. That’s why you’ll use a Reflection Workbook as a companion to the course. Throughout the modules, you’ll be invited to pause, reflect, and respond to key questions that connect the content to real-world examples.
These exercises are designed to help you:
- Challenge assumptions and explore diverse perspectives.
- Examine real-world examples of media in disaster contexts.
- Generate ideas for more inclusive and solution-oriented reporting.
- Build a portfolio of reflections you can use in future reporting.
Not every module contains a reflection activity; some focus on foundational knowledge, while others prompt deeper analysis. The workbook will guide you when and where to engage, helping you track your growth and apply course concepts in practical ways.
Download the workbookWill I receive a certificate?
Absolutely! Upon completing all sections of the 10 modules + the Stop Disasters Game, you'll receive a Certificate of Completion in "Covering disasters from a different lens", issued by the course coordinator. It's a great way to showcase your commitment to responsible and impactful disaster reporting.
If you have any questions as you navigate the course, please reach out to us at [email protected].