Reflective Essay 

Exploring the Eco-Conscious Intersection of Media, Politics, and Sustainability

Reflective Essay - Media & Politics Minor 

Oweis Al-Salahi 

Introduction

My media and politics journey has been very rewarding; even before applying to Northwestern, I knew I wanted to pursue a minor in media and politics; I have been passionate about sustainability and youth empowerment since I was a child, and I have always been curious about how I can combine my interests with my academics; this minor served as a means to that end. My capstone project investigates the interactions of politics, media, and sustainability. The goal is to investigate how political discourse and the media influence public perspectives and behaviors regarding sustainability in society. The purpose of this capstone project is to provide insight into how to contribute to a more sustainable future while also cultivating a community that is aware of the climate challenges we face. Reflecting on my experience in the Media and Politics minor, I discovered a compelling narrative woven between coursework and the importance of sustainability, a subject about which I am extremely passionate. To contribute to a more environmentally sustainable future, I want to investigate the complexities of the interdisciplinary connections that exist among my academic interests. In this essay, I will look at how media and politics interact with environmental consciousness. 

Thematic Links

Political Communication for Environmental Policies:

Throughout my academic journey with the Media and Politics minor, a profound thematic link emerged: recognizing the media's ability to influence societies. Not only are many media conglomerates heavily funded by the government, but many are funded by private businesses with ulterior motives to influence the public (Boykoff, 2019) With some media outlets becoming more powerful than decision-makers, this relates to the goal of my capstone project, which is to investigate how powerful the media can influence positive sustainable practices in society. As I progressed through my coursework, which ranged from American politics to global diplomacy, one recurring theme became clear: storytelling's transformative power in shaping public perception and behavior, particularly sustainability.

Professor Jocelyn's American Politics class taught me about the nuances of political discourse and narrative construction. We investigated political narratives, including the Arizona Senate race, demonstrating how carefully constructed stories can sway public opinion and influence voting behavior (Chapman & Webster, 2020). This understanding of the persuasive power of storytelling in politics paved the way for my investigation into how similar narrative techniques can be used to promote sustainable practices. I saw firsthand how effective storytelling can be in shaping political narratives and influencing public discourse. This link between politics and storytelling goes beyond individual examples to highlight a larger phenomenon: the powerful influence of narrative on public opinion and media coverage.

The Potent Impact of Media Influence

 Furthermore, my research into the impact of social media on shaping public opinion, which was particularly evident during pivotal events such as the Brexit referendum, highlighted the interconnectedness of media, politics, and sustainability (Fuchs & Mosco, 2016). In courses such as Gulf Politics & Public Opinion, taught by Professor Luciano Zaccara, I learned invaluable lessons about the significant influence that technology wields in shaping conversations and mobilizing societal responses. Examining the manipulation of algorithms and targeted messaging at critical junctures highlighted media and political figures' ethical obligations to foster informed and principled discourse.

This thematic underpinning, which is intricately interwoven throughout my academic coursework, not only emphasizes the importance of promoting sustainable narratives but also highlights the critical need to instill environmental awareness in our collective narratives. As I reflect on my academic journey, this thematic motif serves as a beacon, illuminating the path to a more sustainable and socially conscious future.

Exploring Global Perspectives on Environmental Challenges

Throughout my academic career, I have delved into the complex world of global diplomacy and international relations theories, discovering their profound implications for addressing environmental sustainability. Drawing on my studies, particularly Intro to International Relations, I have begun a careful examination of how global events, conflicts, and cooperation intersect with global sustainability efforts.

Through the lens of international relations, I have navigated the complex terrain of environmental sustainability. Immersing myself in realism and constructivism theories has given me a better understanding of their implications for environmental policies. Realism emphasizes the importance of state power and self-interest, whereas constructivism emphasizes the role of social constructs and changing norms in shaping global governance. By combining these perspectives, I have gained valuable insights into the complexities of sustainability challenges.

Analyzing Media Influence on Environmental Discourse

Furthermore, I examined the role of international media in shaping perceptions of environmental responsibility. By critically examining media representations, I have discovered the subtle ways in which they influence public discourse and policy agendas. From sensationalized narratives to nuanced analyses, media portrayals have a significant impact on public attitudes toward environmental issues (Kasuma, 2022). By examining these narratives through an international relations lens, I have gained a better understanding of the complex interplay between media, politics, and sustainability.

Tracing Theory to Practice

Reflecting on historical events, such as the British appeasement policy before World War II, I have seen firsthand how international relations theories are applied to real-world scenarios. By contrasting realism and constructivism, I have gained insight into the motivations driving state actions and the changing norms that shape global politics. This synthesis has helped me gain a more comprehensive understanding of how global events and decisions affect sustainability efforts and environmental policies. 

Conclusion

Combining my experiences as a regular attendee at green conferences with what I learned in international relations classes has given me invaluable insights into global environmental challenges. By observing the implementation of sustainable policies in various countries and analyzing the implications for green politics, I have witnessed firsthand the intersection of theory and practice in addressing environmental issues (Bulkeley,2014). Drawing on insights from realism and constructivism, I have identified the changing dynamics of global governance and their implications for sustainability efforts. Furthermore, by critically examining media representations, I have gained a better understanding of how public perceptions influence environmental discourse. As we confront the multifaceted challenges of the modern era, a thorough understanding of global environmental issues is essential for catalyzing meaningful change and ensuring a sustainable future for all.

Cultural Diplomacy for Environmental Initiatives:

In Professor Noof Al Thani's Qatar Soft Power class, I learned about the intricate strategies of cultural diplomacy and their potential to promote sustainable practices around the world. Qatar's Soft Power strategy, which has been the focus of our discussions, provides a compelling case study demonstrating the effectiveness of using cultural narratives to drive eco-conscious behaviors on a global scale.

At the heart of Qatar's Soft Power strategy is a multifaceted approach that combines culture, education, and diplomacy to increase the country's global influence. This strategy includes promoting Qatar's rich cultural heritage and unwavering commitment to sustainability. Qatar demonstrates its proactive approach to addressing urgent environmental issues through initiatives such as Qatar National Vision 2030, which prioritizes environmental conservation and sustainable development.

One particularly effective aspect of cultural diplomacy for environmental initiatives is the use of cultural narratives to instill eco-conscious behaviors. Cultural narratives have the remarkable ability to shape perceptions and influence behavior. Countries like Qatar can inspire people all over the world to adopt more environmentally friendly practices by incorporating sustainability themes into their cultural narratives (Grazuleviciute, 2006). Cultural events, festivals, and exhibitions, for example, Expo 2023 Doha, provide platforms for showcasing traditional conservation practices and emphasizing the inextricable link between culture and nature. Furthermore, initiatives such as the annual Recycling Towards Sustainability Conference and Exhibition in Doha are in line with Qatar's strategic agenda for sustainable development.

Reflection and self-assessment:

My experience with the Media and Politics minor has been extremely valuable to me, as it has given me a better understanding of the complex relationship between media and politics. Initially, I was drawn to this field because I wanted to learn more about how media narratives shape political discourse and public opinion. However, my perspective shifted significantly as I immersed myself in the course.

Throughout the minor, I have come to realize how powerful the media is in shaping societal perceptions and influencing political outcomes. From dissecting political campaigns to examining how environmental issues are portrayed in the media, each course has provided unique insights into the complexities of this relationship.

One watershed moment in my journey was my participation in the commemoration of the International Day to Protect Education from Attack in Geneva. As the youngest speaker at the event, I saw firsthand how media can amplify the voices of marginalized communities and drive advocacy efforts. This experience fueled my passion for youth empowerment and sustainable development, which led me to establish the SDGeneration Network, a grassroots initiative dedicated to promoting sustainable practices in the Middle East. Furthermore, my role as a youth negotiator at major conferences such as COP 27 and COP 28 has given me valuable experience advocating for global sustainability. These opportunities have allowed me to interact directly with policymakers and help shape global climate action agendas.

In addition, I serve as an active advisor to leadership, providing insights and guidance on incorporating sustainability into organizational practices. This role has helped me gain a better understanding of the intersection of media, politics, and sustainability, as I work to bridge the gap between advocacy and policy implementation.

Through my coursework and extracurricular activities, I have discovered that the media has the ability to not only inform but also mobilize action and drive social change. This realization has inspired me to become a leader in the sustainability sector, where I hope to use media platforms to raise awareness and inspire collective action on pressing environmental issues.

Looking ahead, I am determined to approach media and politics critically, acknowledging the ethical responsibilities that come with wielding such power. I intend to advocate for more inclusive and diverse media representation, ensuring marginalized voices are heard and represented in political discourse.

Overall, my Media and Politics minor experience has been transformative, providing me with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complex intersection of media, politics, and sustainability. I am grateful for the opportunities it has provided me to make a meaningful difference, and I am eager to continue learning and advocating for positive change in the coming years.

References

Alkhairo, M. (2022). Regional report on knowledge for youth-led climate action in the Arab Region. UNESCO. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000383716.locale=en

Boykoff, M. T. (2019). Public enemy no. 1? Understanding media representations of outlier views on climate change. Science Communication, 41(2), 240–245.

Bucy, E. P., & Evans, H. K. (2022). Media-centric and politics-centric views of media and democracy: A longitudinal analysis of political communication and the international journal of press/politics. Political Communication, 39(2), 254–265.

Bulkeley, H., Andonova, L., Betsill, M. M., Compagnon, D., Hale, T., Hoffmann, M. J., Newell, P., Paterson, M., Roger, C., & VanDeveer, S. D. (2014). Transnational Climate Change Governance. https://doi.org/10.1017/cbo9781107706033

Chapman, D., & Webster, J. (2020). Climate, media, and narratives: Public understanding and the coverage of climate change. Routledge.

Grazuleviciute, I. (2006). Cultural Heritage in the Context of Sustainable Development. Research Gate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228466259_Cultural_Heritage_in_the_Context_of_Sustainable_Development

Kasuma, S. A. A. (2022). Language and Sustainability Communication. Sustainability Communication across Asia: Fundamental Principles, Digital Strategies and Community Engagement.