Deputy Editor at Carbon Brief, Simon Evans specializes in translating complex climate science and policy into impactful data-driven narratives. His work focuses on three core areas:
We've followed Simon Evans's evolution from biochemistry PhD to one of the UK's most influential climate policy journalists. His unique blend of scientific rigor and policy analysis at Carbon Brief has redefined how global audiences understand complex climate issues.
Evans transitioned from biochemistry research to environmental journalism through The ENDS Report, where he honed his ability to translate complex scientific data into actionable policy insights. Since joining Carbon Brief in 2016, he's pioneered interactive data journalism that bridges the gap between climate science and political decision-making.
This groundbreaking analysis combined policy modeling with emissions projections, revealing how a potential Trump administration could derail global climate targets. Evans collaborated with data scientists to create interactive maps showing state-level impacts, while his innovative "climate domino effect" visualization demonstrated how US policy shifts could influence other nations. The article's methodology section set a new standard for transparent climate journalism, detailing exactly how different policy scenarios were weighted and calculated.
In this fact-check deep dive, Evans deconstructed seven common anti-net-zero arguments through forensic data analysis. His "myth vs math" format paired viral claims with primary source verification, tracing misinformation networks across social platforms. The article's lasting impact comes from its replicable framework for debunking climate falsehoods while maintaining audience engagement through animated data visualizations.
This paradigm-shifting analysis recalculated historical emissions accounting to include colonial impacts, revealing how Global North nations' climate debt increases when considering resource extraction from former colonies. Evans worked with historians and economists to develop a novel accounting methodology that's since been adopted by UN climate negotiators. The article's interactive timeline of colonial emissions became a key reference in climate justice debates.
Evans consistently highlights the space between climate pledges and concrete action. Successful pitches should identify specific policy loopholes or implementation failures, like his exposé on UK's carbon offset accounting discrepancies. Provide access to whistleblowers in regulatory agencies or leaked documents showing enforcement failures.
His work thrives on transforming complex datasets into interactive experiences. Pitch stories with untapped visualization potential, such as his animated map tracking global coal plant retirements. Include raw data access and suggest collaborative development with Carbon Brief's design team.
Following his colonial emissions analysis, Evans seeks stories connecting historical patterns to current policies. Pitch investigations into archival records of fossil fuel development or long-term climate impact studies with century-scale data.
His Trump election analysis demonstrated expertise in transnational climate policy ripple effects. Develop pitches examining how EU regulations affect Asian manufacturing hubs or African energy development plans.
While avoiding pure financial journalism, Evans explores innovative funding models. Recent work analyzed blockchain applications in carbon markets. Pitch case studies of successful (or failed) climate investment strategies with verifiable performance data.
Recognized for pioneering data journalism techniques that transformed climate policy reporting. The judging panel highlighted Evans' ability to "make emissions data dance" through interactive storytelling.
His colonial emissions analysis sparked international policy debates, with the Royal Historical Society calling it "a watershed moment in climate justice reporting."
"Evans' work represents the gold standard in climate journalism - rigorous enough for academia yet accessible enough for social media virality." - Climate Action Network International
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 Climate, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
