CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Background to the Study
Environmental
pollution is a problem both in developed and developing countries which Nigeria
is not left out. Factors such as population growth and urbanization invariably
place greater demands on the environment and
stretch the use of natural resources to the maximum. Such overuse of natural
resources often results in nature’s degradation.
Remarkable
environmental problems and issues are gradually increasing around the world
with higher frequency from strong typhoons, hurricanes and cyclones and other
extreme events including pollution, floods, landslides, droughts etc.
Therefore, there is a growing demand from the public for more and more
information on environmental issues and a great link between awareness or
knowledge and action. It is shown that environment and environmental news and
information are salient and prominent topic of the public and elites
discussion. Hence, mass media plays a significant role in covering news and
information on environmental incidences, issues and problems (Pompper, 2004).