The Role of Environmental Media Studies to Develop Individual and Behavioral Awareness

A Sociology Perspective of Media

Abstract

Environmental Media Studies are considered one of the main pillars of environmental protection and raising awareness of society as they introduce environmental concepts and values. In addition, they raise awareness among individuals, government officials, and relevant authorities in order to protect and improve the environment. In the contemporary era, media tools play a critical role in tackling environmental issues and directing individual behavior to conserve the environment. In this case, media helps increase environmental awareness and enlightenment, and protect the environment. In this study, from a media sociology perspective, tasks and duties related to environmental media studies have been scientifically discussed. In conclusion, it was found that environmental media studies are recent areas of research study whether in terms of concept or in terms of topic for research. By raising environmental issues and the degradation of natural ecosystems, the need for these studies to heighten awareness among people and authorities has become more apparent. In Kurdistan, although the media has paid attention to the environment, Kurdistan’s environment and environmental awareness have not reached the satisfied standards due to the lack of academic expertise in the field of environmental media, the absence of other social media channels to educate society regarding the environment and many other issues. Environmental news in Kurdistan media has been limited to reporting the weather condition and the media has ignored spreading information on the dangers of environmental degradation and environmental abuse by individuals.