As a National Geographic staff writer and digital editor, Gibbens specializes in human-nature conflict stories with global implications. Her decade-long career has established her as a leading voice in:
“The most compelling pitches combine scientific evidence with human stakes – show me who’s affected and why it matters.”
We’ve followed Sarah Gibbens’s work at National Geographic with admiration for her ability to translate complex environmental crises into compelling narratives that resonate with global audiences. Her reporting combines scientific rigor with human-centered storytelling, establishing her as one of today’s most influential environmental journalists.
Gibbens’ trajectory began at the University of Texas at San Antonio’s student paper The Paisano, where she developed her signature approach to investigative environmental reporting. Early freelance work for the San Antonio Report (2015) focused on local ecology before she joined National Geographic in 2016 as a digital producer. Key career phases include:
This 2017 investigation into a viral polar bear footage became a watershed moment in visual environmental journalism. Gibbens’ balanced approach included interviews with marine biologists, climate modelers, and Indigenous community leaders, creating a multidimensional view of Arctic ecosystem collapse. Her follow-up pieces addressed both scientific consensus and public misconceptions, demonstrating rare skill in translating ecological complexity for mass audiences.
Gibbens’ 2018 wildfire analysis combined on-the-ground reporting with data journalism, mapping historical burn areas against urban expansion patterns. She revealed how fire suppression policies created “ecological debt” in forest ecosystems while profiling firefighters developing new containment strategies. This work established her as a leading voice in disaster ecology reporting.
This 2019 deep dive into consumer plastics combined archival research with interviews of materials scientists and waste management innovators. Gibbens traced the straw’s evolution from medical tool to environmental pariah, while analyzing the unintended consequences of plastic bans on disability communities.
Gibbens prioritizes stories that explore innovative responses to ecological challenges. Successful pitches should highlight:
“The best environmental journalism doesn’t just diagnose problems – it illuminates pathways to change.”
Her recent work emphasizes Indigenous knowledge systems and youth climate activism. Effective pitches should:
As digital editor, Gibbens seeks stories with strong visual components:
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Environment, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
