Discourse on Sustainability and Environmentalism in the Arab News Media: Challenges for Uncontested Agenda

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate how Egyptian and Emirati newspapers address sustainability issues and to identify the key topics covered by the newspapers regarding the environment, climate, and quality of life. By analyzing the discourse of two Egyptian newspapers and two Emirati newspapers, a total of 223 news articles related to sustainability issues were analyzed. The study revealed the impact of hosting the COP27 conference in Egypt in 2022 on increasing interest in Egyptian newspapers in sustainability issues after the conference ended. Furthermore, the UAE's preparation to host COP28 and declaring 2023 as the Year of Sustainability in the country influenced the coverage of sustainability issues by the newspapers. While Egyptian newspapers focused on finance, water, and agriculture issues within the frame of international cooperation and local integration, Emirati newspapers focused on clean energy and transferring international expertise within the frame of international partnerships and regional leadership. While Egypt faced economic and population-related challenges, the challenges faced by the UAE as an oil-producing country with a diverse population required addressing them in a manner aligned with its culture. The solutions discussed in the newspapers were similar, highlighting the important role of art and media in raising awareness of sustainability. They also emphasized the importance of having laws and regulations governing the work of institutions and individuals live to ensure the sustainability of the two countries resources.