Evolution of Climate Change Coverage in Latin American Press
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32991/2237-2717.2026v16i2.p590-615Keywords:
climate change, communication, Latin America, media coverage, pressAbstract
Climate change is recognized as a major challenge for humanity. In recent years, there has been an acceleration in rising temperatures, alongside numerous impacts occurring in all regions of the world. Latin America, with its diverse realities across its vast territory, is already experiencing its effects. The media play a social role in conveying information about this challenge and reflect the interest or disinterest of societies. This paper attempts to identify quantitative coverage in the Latin American press from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2024. For this purpose, data from the Media Climate Change Observatory (University of Colorado) are used, which allows us to observe the evolution of Latin American media attention and compare it with international trend. Among the conclusions, it is noted that: the months with the highest coverage are concentrated in November, followed by December, which coincide with the UNFCCC Climate Summits; the last five-year period (2020–2024) shows by far the highest level of coverage; the media agenda on climate change in Latin America is strongly influenced by the international agenda; and the trend shows greater intensity in Latin American coverage compared to the international count in the last five years. Based on scientific literature, it is considered vital that climate change coverage in the Latin American press be consolidated in line with the risk perception highlighted by climate science and the effects in the region.
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